Robert Miller, DVM, knows horses. He explains that when working them, you have to understand the behavioral characteristics that are in the species’ DNA that was established through natural selection. Domestication might affect the characteristics, through artificial selection, but veterinarians and horsemen should attempt to understand the innate characteristics to better read their horses and anticipate their movements.
Source: DVM 360, December 4, 2017.
There are 10 points from Dr. Miller’s lecture. But what you really need to remember is that all equine behaviors are related to the first—the flight instinct.
INSIGHTS: Miller directs his comments to veterinary teams. However, these 10 points are valuable for anyone working with horses or their owners. Consider the importance of including them when helping youth groups or doing orientations before group equine events. What you share might help avoid an injury to a rider or horse.