Sharon Carroll

University of Queensland | UQ · School of Veterinary Science

Behaviour-related issues are common in horses. Many 'undesirable behaviours' pose important safety concerns for the human handlers / riders / carers, as well as welfare concerns for the horse. Undesirable behaviours can also devalue a horse, or result in the horse being re-homed, relinquished, or euthanased. Undesirable behaviours occur for a range...

Husbandry and veterinary procedures have the potential to generate fear and stress in animals. In horses, the associated responses can pose a significant safety risk to the human personnel involved in the procedure, as well as to the animal itself. Traditionally, physical restraint, punishment, and/or threat of an aversive, have been the most commo...

In the horse, inappropriate management and training, as well as pain, frustration, fear and anxiety can result in undesirable behaviours. Common undesirable behaviours include pawing, striking, rearing, kicking, bolting, bucking, shying, napping, freezing, biting and bite threats, as well as a range of oral and locomotive stereotypic behaviours. Ma...