Undesired behaviors in horses

Abstract

Animal welfare has become a relevant ongoing area of research and a great number of studies can be found in the literature assessing the welfare of different animal species by the use of direct or indirect methods. Within the direct methods, behavioural parameters are acquiring more importance, in particular those related with the performance of abnormal behaviours. This because of the physical, physiological and mental consequences that these behaviours carry with them. There are numerous publications providing information on the diverse abnormal behavioural displays shown by equines, many times these make their understanding and classification difficult and confusing. The present review aims to describe those behaviours considered abnormal or undesirable in horses emphasising those considered as stereotypes. For this purpose they will be classified providing also information about their possible causes, form of presentation, function and prevention. On the other hand implications of these behaviours on the horse's welfare will be briefly explained.