Humane Cattle Pens, Custom Designs and Behavior Consulting
Note: Part I of this series, posted on August 12, 2023, under the title ABNORMAL HAIR WHORLS, is an introduction to this extended series. In the early 1990s, I got an invitation to meet with an animal behaviorist at Utah State University while seeking academic support for my ideas. I won’t name the scientist who […]
There are countless examples in the scientific literature of animals with genetic defects through inbreeding, exposure to environmental toxins, or many other factors causing brain abnormalities that affect behavior. In livestock animals, inbreeding, or what most people call purebred animals, have some of the worst defects. This effect is well-known in cattle, dogs, horses, pigs, […]
For those of you like me that grew up in the 1960s, you’ll remember the hilarious TV sitcom “Mister Ed” about a sober and sarcastic talking horse who only talked to his owner, a genial but somewhat klutzy architect named Wilbur Post, thus causing a variety of opportunities and frustrations for Mr.Post. I never missed […]
In part 3 of this series, I spelled out the Horse Behaviorist UT mantra— “first experiences are critical to forming future responses.” In this post, you’ll learn there’s no comparison to the contemporary practice of halter training between what I do and every trainer I know or have read about. Anyone with experience or who […]
The neonatal handling procedure I use can help reduce stress in foals at the weaning time by developing a robust human-foal relationship. As I discussed in part 4, the process begins very early and continues throughout the time the foal is with its dam. I handle the foal twice or more times a week in […]
Take your time with this first lesson. Foals only have a limited attention span. Always stay within the limits of their ability to learn new things. Be consistent in the way you give each lesson. Consistency is more important than continuity. Foals with low cowlicks need more lessons to form habits, while foals with high […]
Before discussing my “new school” approach to factors affecting bonding with humans during the pre-weaning stage of development, I want to explain the behaviors shown by colts and fillies raised in the “old school” traditions that cause serious welfare concerns. The experiences horses have before being “broke to ride” indicate the underlying issues from intensive […]
Learning to lead and stand tied is done in the mare’s presence. If you don’t have the foal’s mother and have a weaned colt (like Bill in my last post), find a trusting surrogate (like Jim in my previous post). I also used Jim as a surrogate to teach Bill to lead, as discussed in […]
In ???? ? of this series, I discussed the importance of the first experience of handling the legs and feet of pre-weaned foals and setting the stage for a lifetime’s acceptance of this necessary and critical husbandry procedure. The old timers had a saying, “?? ????, ?? ?????.” The farrier is a forger, welder, toolmaker, […]
Generally, weaning at four months of age is considered safe. The foal’s nutritional requirements exceed that provided by the mare’s milk, and at that age, most foals eat grain and forage independently. Even so, consider the position of the hair whorl before making your decisions. Foals with high hair whorls are more prone to stress […]
