Equine 1 Unit 4 - Behavior & Handling

Training is important for horses because they:

• cannot develop habits.

• develop the ability to reason through training.

• never forget training whether bad or good.

• stay in physical shape only when trained.

A horse develops the ability to open a gate by:

• observing a trainer open the gate.

• planning the steps needed for opening a gate.

• remembering the activity that opened the gate previously.

• thinking about the step process needed.

While visiting a barn, Benjie walks up to a mare and newborn foal. Immediately the horses pin their ears back. Benjie realizes the horses are:

• anxious to see him.

• in a coma.

• irritated at his presence.

• surprised by his arrival.

Which sign indicates a horse is very interested in what it sees?

• Eyes closed and ears pinned back

• Eyes closed and ears thrown to the sides

• Eyes open and ears pinned back

• Eyes open and ears pointing forward

Horses adjust their range of vision by:

• blinking their eyes.

• lowering or raising their heads.

• moving their heads to the right or left.

• twitching their ears.

A horse, which is not turning its head, has a field of vision that is:

• excellent for objects immediately behind the hindquarter.

• good for objects almost all the way around its body.

• outstanding for objects within 4 feet of its head.

• restricted to objects right in front of its feet.

The horse has a very good sense of hearing that:

• allows them to hear sounds a human cannot hear.

• blocks out loud, high frequency sounds and noises.

• is muffled by the inside dimensions of the ear.

• is protected against sensitive sounds by the ears.

An insecure horse is most often caused by:

• a handler or rider that lacks confidence.

• a worn bridle and saddle.

• oats and hay in the daily ration.

• too many trips around the riding ring.

What is the most important sense horses use to respond to cues from a rider?

• Sight

• Smell

• Sound

• Touch

By observing the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth of a horse, the handler can:

• calculate the grain consumed in a day.

• identify the presence of laminitis.

• predict the emotional state of the horse.

• tell the number of saddle sores present.