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Re: [RC] Tying to Trailer = vanished? - Diane TrefethenSpottedracer@xxxxxx wrote:The answer can be found in an ecology book. ....Herbivores that naturally stay in large groups (herds) depend on each other to look for predators. So only a portion of a herd is 'alert' at any given time, with the other members of the group able to feed. They constantly swap 'sentries' - so that all members of the group have equal feeding time. It is a matter of degree. Most domesticated horses display similar behaviour patterns at pasture but most of them do not exhibit signs of anxiety when tied to the side of a trailer. I think that's because being domesticated translates to accepting humans and their appurtenances as part of the "herd". Certainly some horses have usually nervous dispositions but for most, undesirable behaviours go back to training. Heidi's comment nailed the issue pretty well when she addressed a different problem. With respect to feeding horses she has acquired from one particular barn she said, "His horses are the worst basket cases for the first year or so, because they don't adapt well to ANY new routine." These horses had been literally TRAINED to expect their meals at exactly the same time every day and so the failure to receive food on schedule upset them. Further, not only were they difficult at feeding time but also the regimented feeding schedule actually rendered these animals less trainable. From the horse's point of view, that which is allowed is acceptable. If we humans allow unacceptable behaviour, we in effect train the horse to that behaviour. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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