Hartpury University Repository

Douglas, Jenni

The relationship between lumbosacral flexion-extension range of motion of the lumbosacral junction and canter speed of horses on a treadmill.

Montrose, V. Tamara

Harris, W. Edwin

Moore, A. J.

Moore, P. J.

Sperm competition within a dominance hierarchy: investment in social status vs. investment in ejaculates

Nankervis, Kathryn

Hodgins, Diana

Marlin, David

Comparison between a sensor (3D accelerometer) and ProReflex motion capture systems to measure stride frequency of horses on a treadmill.

The repeatability of equine spinal kinematics overground versus treadmill locomotion in trot.

Lee, Sarah

Wagstaff, C. R. D.

Fletcher, D.

Hanton, Sheldon

The Psychological Dynamics of Organisational Effectiveness: Common Themes Throughout the Mainstream and Sport Literatures

Bite, M.

Farrell, Mary

The impact of environmental enrichment on captive Meerkats at Bristol Zoo

McDonald, Kirsty

  
Comparisons of the Social Organisation & Seasonal Time-
Budgets of Grass Kept Domesticated Horses & Wild or 
Feral Horses 
K. McDonald 
Hartpury College, The University of the West of England, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE 
Introduction 
Wild and feral horses exist in herds organised and controlled by a definite harem struc-
ture consisting of an alpha male and female, harem mares and a separate bachelor 
band of single stallions (Keiper and Receveur, 1992). The time-budgeted behaviour of 
the group has been observed to alter between seasons as the herd moves through-out 
their territory utilising the resources available. Little research has been undertaken into 
how this social structure and seasonal time-budget is affected by domestication in 
grass kept groups. 
The aim of the study was to see whether the social structure seasonal time budgets 
has been affected by domestication within grass-kept groups of horses. 
Conclusions  
Significant differences in time-budget activities was identified between the November and April 
observation periods. These behavioural differences and the social organisation within the ob-
served herd reflect those previously recorded for feral horses. These findings suggest that so-
cial interactions and facilities and resources available to the herd throughout the year continue 
to play an important role in domesticated horse welfare.    
Methods 
 Five grass kept domesticated horses; 3 mares and 2 
geldings; ages ranging from 3 to 28. 
 Focal survey observations were made for two consecu-
tive days in the November and repeated for three consec-
utive days in the April of the following year. 
 Observations were made at three periods throughout the 
observation days; early morning, midday and late after-
noon. 
 Each horse watched individually for 10 minutes. 
 Group observations were made for a further 10 minute 
period following the individual observation period. 
 All activities were given a 4-second criterion. 
 Statistically significant differences between the two sea-
sonal observation periods were tested for using two-tailed 
Ttest calculations.  
 
Results 
 Social structure observed was very similar to that report-
ed for wild and feral horses. 
 The group displayed an alpha male, an female, harem 
females (older and juvenile) and a bachelor male. 
 A non-significant trend for decreased foraging time in 
November compared to April was observed (P>0.05). 
 Significantly more time was spent walking during April 
compared to the November observation period (p=0.05). 
 Significantly more time was spent standing alert during 
November compared to the April observation period 
(p=0.05). 
 Significantly more time was spent in recumbency (lateral 
and sternal) during April compared to the November ob-
servation period (p<0.05). 
 Significantly more time was spent in performing ’other’ 
activities during November compared to the April obser-
vation period (p<0.05). 
  
Figure 1: Mean time-budgets for behaviours ob-
served in the November focal survey 
Figure 2: Mean time-budgets for behaviours observed in the  
   April focal survey 
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Alpha Male Alpha Female Older Mare Bachelor Male Juvenile Female
P
e
rc
e
n
ta
g
e
 o
f 
ti
m
e
 o
b
s
e
rv
e
d Other
Sternal recumbency
Lateral recumbency
Stand alert
Stand resting
Trot & Canter
Walk
Foraging
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Alpha Male Alpha Female Older Mare Bachelor Male Juvenile Female
P
e
rc
e
n
ta
g
e
 o
f 
ti
m
e
 o
b
s
e
rv
e
d
Other
Sternal recumbency
Lateral recumbency
Stand alert
Stand resting
Trot & Canter
Walk
Foraging


English

Comparisons of the Social Organisation and Seasonal Time-Budgets of Grass Kept Domesticated Horses &amp; Wild or Feral Horses

Moving Beyond Organisational Stress to Understanding Organisational Effectiveness in Competitive Sport

Wakeling, James M.

Ritruechai, Pattama

Dalton, Sarah

Segmental variation in the activity and function of the equine longissimus dorsi muscle during walk and trot

Barnett, Kate

Price, Sarah

Effects of manipulative therapy on the longissimus dorsi in the equine back

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