RE: I Need Help!
Gary Ceragioli (JOltmann@FANCYPUBS.COM)
Fri, 13 Dec 1996 10:00:00 -0800
I agree that you should have your horse's vision checked first, However,
what you described sounds like a classic case of a type of vice called a
"flight or fight vice," which is defined as: appropriate reactions to
certain stimuli that become abnormal when the reaction is inappropriate,
repetitive, or exaggerated. Such behavior includes lunging, bolting or
an exaggerated alarm reaction, and aversion reactions, such as shying,
balking and startle reactions. Sound like your horse?
I can recommend three books that delve into these behavioral problems
and how to treat them:
1)"Care and feeding of the Horse," by Lon D. Lewis, DVM. Chap. 20,
entitled "Behavior problems in horses." Provides excellent definitions
and solutions. (I could fax you the chapter)
2)"Why Does My Horse...?" by Paul McGreevy. This book covers every type
of vice and strange behavior that a horse could possibly come up with.
The section on shying and spooking is very informative, and McGreevy
goes into detail about using counter-conditioning techniques to solve
the problem.
3)"UC Davis Book of Horses" This book should be on everyone's shelf
anyway. Behaviorist Carolyn Stull talks about vices, though not as
thoroughtly as the other two references.
If you were to choose one, I'd go for McGreevy's book. It's available
through Trafalgar Square Publishing for about $17.00. (802)457-1911. If
you have any trouble finding references, let me know, I have an
extensive equine library and am not opposed to loaning out my books.
Jennifer Oltmann