Horse Behavior in Different Environments

A horse's environment can stimulate or bore it, create anxiety or pleasure. A horse finds comfort in its daily routine, such as socialization with the herd, feeding, grooming and exercise. Any change can alter its behavior. Interestingly, the horse is highly perceptive and can sense the slightest change in a human's body language as well, which can influence its behavior within an environment.

  1. Field

    • Horses form herd hierarchies and develop strong bonds with herd members. The herd provides a horse essential socialization, as well as support and safety. Horses enjoy grooming one another, playing, grazing and exploring. If a horse is kept in isolation, separated from the herd or denied contact with other horses for long periods, it will become anxious and may develop physical, mental or behavioral problems.

    Stable

    • A horse can become bored or claustrophobic if confined to its stall, but behavior depends on the horse's disposition and how long it's kept in isolation. Generally, separating a horse from the herd for long periods can result in depression and aggression and create serious behavioral problems, such as box walking, stall weaving, cribbing, pawing and kicking. These behaviors are coping mechanisms the horse develops in response to stress.

    Trail Riding

    • A generally well-behaved horse can quickly become tense and frightened during trail rides. A horse is a prey animal and uses its keen instincts to warn of it of impending danger -- real or imagined. With eyes set on the sides of its head, and a highly developed peripheral vision and sense of hearing, a horse has the ability to see and hear things humans can't. However, if the trail is dense, it can decrease a horse's ability to spot predators. As a result, the horse may become tense, fearful, disobedient, anxious or defensive. A domestic horse has not had to fend for its life, but its instincts as a prey and herd animal are the result of generations of survival of the fittest.

    Traveling and Competing

    • Traveling and competing in shows is typically a fun and exciting experience. For the horse, however, this change in its routine can be unsettling. Some horses enjoy the excitement, but for some, the experience can be highly stressful, resulting in nervous behavior.

    Interaction with Humans

    • A horse is exceptionally perceptive and has the ability to "read" your non-verbal communication and body language. If you're insecure, tense, worried, sad, angry or upset, the horse knows, even if you try to hide your emotions. A horse will respond to these cues by mirroring your feelings and behavior. Being aware of your own emotional state will help you understand your horse's emotions and behaviors.