An online survey investigating perceived prevalence and treatment options for stereotypic behaviours in horses and undesirable behaviours associated with handling and riding

Abstract

SummaryIn 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. Many of these behaviours are dangerous for the human handlers and can be unhealthy and harmful for the horse; for safety and welfare reasons, they must be rapidly addressed. An online survey was completed by 943 horse industry participants from 31 countries. The survey was conducted to gain greater insight into the perceived prevalence of undesirable behaviours in horses; options considered in the management of horses displaying undesirable behaviours; attitudes towards the use of prescription and over‐the‐counter (OTC) behaviour‐modifying agents; and owner attitudes towards the role of veterinarians and equine behaviourists. The results of this survey suggest that undesirable behaviours are common. Agents with a nonspecific sedating effect were the most common agents suggested by veterinarians and used by horse‐owners. Horse‐owners indicated a greater use of α2 agonists for the management of undesirable behaviours associated with riding horses. Many owners in this survey indicated they would consider seeking advice from veterinarians (83.2%) and behaviourists (58.0%) if they had a horse that was ‘consistently difficult or uncooperative to handle or ride’. The majority (97.3%) of nonveterinarian equine behaviourists would seek the input of a veterinarian to investigate physical causes for undesirable horse behaviour. Twenty‐two percent of veterinarians would refer a case to a behaviour expert to address the behavioural component, whilst most veterinarians (77.6%) would devise a behaviour modification and retraining programme themselves. It is hoped that information from this survey can be used to improve existing horse management practices and have a positive impact on animal welfare.