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  Discussion on Research Summary: Effects of a calm companion on fear reactions
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DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 - 9:42 am:

This is no surprise but interesting to note. When in the company of calm horses, other horses are calmer.
DrO

Equine Vet J. 2008 Jan;40(1):46-50.
Effects of a calm companion on fear reactions in naive test horses.

Christensen JW, Malmkvist J, Nielsen BL, Keeling LJ.

Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Aarhus, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In fear-eliciting situations, horses tend to show flight reactions that can be dangerous for both horse and man. Finding appropriate methods for reducing fearfulness in horses has important practical implications. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the presence of a calm companion horse influences fear reactions in naive subject horses. HYPOTHESES: The presence of a habituated (calm) companion horse in a fear-eliciting situation can reduce fear reactions in naive subject horses, compared to subject horses with a nonhabituated companion (control). METHODS: Minimally handled (n = 36), 2-year-old stallions were used, 18 as subjects and 18 as companions. Companion horses (n = 9) were habituated to an otherwise frightening, standardised test stimulus (calm companions), whereas the rest (n = 9) of the companion horses remained nonhabituated (control companions). During the test, unique pairs of companion and subject horses were exposed to the test stimulus while heart rate and behavioural responses were registered. Subsequently, subject horses were exposed to the stimulus on their own (post test). RESULTS: Subject horses, paired with a calm companion horse, showed less fear-related behaviour and lower heart rate responses compared to subject horses with control companions. Results from the post test suggest that the difference between treatment groups remained in the subsequent absence of companion horses. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: It appears possible to reduce fear reactions in young, naive horses by allowing them to interact with a calm companion horse in fear-eliciting situations.
Member:
dres

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 - 9:52 am:

Well this is no surprise to those of us that have WONDERFUL quiet baby sitter horses for our young ones.. My gelding is a steady Freddy and keeps the young ones thinking instead of over reacting to stimuli.. He is worth his weight in gold on crazy neighbor days that can cause a ruckus..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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