THE HORSE BEHAVIOR TOWARD GROOMING

Abstract

The domestication and selective breeding of horses for various purposes have led to the emergence of distinct horse breeds, often associated with specific physical traits and behavioral tendencies. Understanding individual differences in horse behavior, particularly during interactions with humans, is essential for promoting positive experiences and welfare. Mane grooming, a common human-horse interaction, provides valuable insights into horse emotional responses and preferences. This study investigates the behaviors of seven distinct horse breeds during mane grooming sessions through real-world observations. It aims to gain insights into horses' emotional responses, focusing on approach and avoidance behaviors, and explores potential influences on their reactions towards grooming, such as gender, mane direction, and breed characteristics. Results reveal personality differences among the seven horse breeds, with only 10.28% exhibiting aggressive behaviors during grooming. Mane direction in horses is primarily determined by genetics, with most having left or right manes. Some variations were observed among breeds, but differences were not substantial. Overall, this research highlights the importance of considering individual and breed-specific traits in mane grooming practices to enhance horse welfare and strengthen the human-horse bond.