Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Behaviour Referral and Welfare

Behavioral problems in horses often have underlying pain or welfare causes that behavioral referral and pain investigation can address.

Key Facts

Problem behaviors including bucking, rearing, and bolting have pain as a common cause
ISES (International Society for Equitation Science) promotes pain-based behavioral investigation
Behavioral referral services combine behavioral assessment with veterinary pain investigation
Treatment of underlying pain often resolves behavioral issues without behavioral intervention
Overuse of punishment for pain-related behaviors worsens both welfare and behavior

Welfare Considerations

Horses cannot tell us when they are in pain and often express it through behavioral 'problems'. Investigation of potential pain causes before behavioral intervention is both more effective and more ethical. Treating the cause rather than the symptom is the welfare-positive approach.

What You Can Do

Investigate potential pain causes before seeking behavioral modification for problem behaviors
Seek referral services that combine equine behavioral and pain assessment
Learn about the ISES guidelines for pain-related behavior investigation