Scientists recommend patience when performing horse care and training

Tuesday, 21 September 2010 17:40

Taking time and attention over the small things when beginning to train an equine is an important part of horse care, scientists have revealed.

A study conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, has concluded that when being broken in and ridden for the first time, the animals can experience a huge increase in their stress levels.

This is probably due to the fact that these once-wild beasts are unprepared for such treatment and, as such, may interpret actions such as being tacked up or mounted as a possible attack.

To counteract this, lead scientists Alice Schmidt, Jorg Aurich, Erich Mostl, Jurgen Muller and Christine Aurich have suggested starting early with small steps, to get the creature used to the process as soon as possible.

Ms Aurich in particular advised owners to ensure they are gentle and careful with their charges, as animals can be easily spooked and thereafter associate a certain person with a stressful procedure.

"If you are gentle and careful when you start to train a young horse, it will soon get used to you," Ms Schmidt added.

Horse insurance customers might find it beneficial to bring in expert advice when training a particularly difficult beast, as this is when good and bad habits usually become ingrained in the animal's psyche.

Posted by Emily