Behavior Genetics of the Horse (Equus caballus) - Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals - page 250

weaning causes greater sensitivity to external stimuli. Boivin and Braastad
(1996) found more ease of handling in goats immediately following weaning
and suggested that goats are susceptible to forming new social bonds during
this period, and “that the human might serve as a surrogate mother.” A com-
plex interaction between genetic factors influencing temperament, pre- and
postnatal influences, and other environmental factors affect the behavior of
foals at weaning time. This is a stressful time. There are several psychological,
physical, and nutritional stressors associated with weaning, along with other
stressors, such as maternal deprivation and social isolation (reviewed by
Waran et al., 2007 ). Forced weaning does not occur in nature. Since we are
responsible for creating this adverse situation, we need to take the responsibil-
ity and make it as easy as possible for the foals to accept.
In summary, the effect of early experience on temperament, learning abil-
ity, and cognition is a complex phenomenon requiring further investigation,
especially regarding the importance of the presence of stressors. In our opin-
ion, people must make sure first experiences are positive no matter when
handling begins. Forcibly catching young foals at any age may be detrimen-
tal to forming positive foal

human relationships. In addition, understanding
foals' individual differences and motivational states, as well as appropriately
handling resistance motivated by fear, or no-fear resistance, sets the stage for
a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. This is similar to the social
relationships that young foals develop with other horses. Inconsistencies in
handling, especially at a young age, may cause conflicts between emotional
and motivational states. Many of the assumed idiosyncrasies observed in
foals (and mature horses) may in fact be pathological. For example: a com-
mon behavior in foals is to approach people and then quickly retreat, only to
approach and retreat again. Are the foals curious but afraid (explained in
Chapter 1), or are they exhibiting a conflict between a conditioned response
of fear toward people and a similarly conditioned response motivated by the
positive stimuli that people provide? Imagine for a moment the emotions of
a foal that has been handled roughly, captured, haltered, and sometimes
forced to stand to have its feet handled. These experiences may remain
embedded in a young horse's memory, and may be in conflict with other,
more positive memories of people providing affection and food. Therefore,
on the one hand, the foal fears people for the capture and forced handling.
On the other hand, it likes people for the positive stimulus associated with
them. Conflicts between emotional and motivational states are stressful and
can compromise health, welfare, and responses later in life. The non-
intrusive neonatal handling procedure practiced by the first author is easy
and practical. To test its validity, studies similar to those conducted on inten-
sively handling foals could be designed using this non-intrusive handling
procedure and comparing the results with non-handled controls. In the
following sections we discuss other aspects of foal and horse behavior that
possibly influence this vulnerable period of life.