Recent questions tagged horse behavior

Description : is it more common for horses to sleep standing up or lying down!

Last Answer : Unlike humans, horses sleep more frequently, but for much shorter periods of time. Foals nap about half of each day until they are 3 months old. They sleep lying down but as they get older, they choose to ... a barn or an area where they feel secure, they might decide to lie down for a quick nap.

Description : I recently got a morgan horse. She's sweet and beautiful. I want her to like me more than anyone else. What can I do to get her to bond with me?

Last Answer : When training your horse be consistent. Always feed her at the same time each day. Spend quality time with her, not just riding, but talking to her in a soothing tone. Greet her with a favorite ... method. Learn your horse's body language and respect the time she wants to be with other horses.

Description : When I take my mare out to groom, she gets all fidgetty and won't stand still. What can I do to calm her down?

Last Answer : Forcing her to stand still won't work. If your horse is fidgety, make sure to exercise her before grooming. This will calm the fidgets and a tired horse will usually stand still.

Description : My horse likes to eat from the shrubs around us while we are on the trail. What can I do to get her to stop?

Last Answer : You don't want her to stop entirely, you just want her to eat with your permission. Allow your horse some grazing time before riding. If she still persists on the trail, try this. Let her ... and being consistent. But your horse will eventually learn she can't stop to eat without your permission.

Description : My horse seems to be a bit ADD. What can I do to get him to be still enough so that I can get on him and ride him?

Last Answer : Try to determine when and why he behaves this way. Check the equipment to make sure everything is the way it should be.You may have to retrain your horse. Take the reins in your left hand, holding firmly ... the idea. Once you mount, wait to move. That will help him know he must follow your lead.

Description : I see a lot of trainers whipping their horses to get them to do things. Is it necessary? Are there other ways to train a horse?

Last Answer : No, don't whip them! You can get a training whip and you just have to make the sound sometimes, but not really to scare them. And you put it on their back (just touching) so they know it's there. But it's deffinatly not neccasary!

Description : Can horses swim? If they can, do they enjoy it?

Last Answer : Yes, horses can swim and most enjoy it. Swimming is an excellent exercise as it uses muscles without putting pressure on the legs. It also provides shortened recovery time for injured or ill ... important to teach the horse and yourself to swim safely without causing injury to himself or you.

Description : I recently got a new horse. He seems very nervous. What can I do to get him to calm dowm and trust me.

Last Answer : Keep calm yourself and approach the horse slowly speaking softly. Let the horse sniff your hand. Gently begin to pet him. If he shies away, stop and wait until he calms down and try again. You can ... speaking softly all the while. You'll soon gain the horse's trust and he'll accept your attentions.

Description : My horse rarely lays down to sleep. But I often see her standing still and it looks like she's sleeping. Is this normal?

Last Answer : Yes, it is normal behavior. Horses are prey animals. In the wild especially, they feel vulnerable to attacks by numerous predators. It is not unusual for them to sleep standing up so that they are prepared ... , when feeling secure in an enclosure such as a barn or a stall will lie down to sleep.