Apparently a good scratch on the withers is just the kind of praise that many horses enjoy - Photo by Lorraine Peachey
What type of praise does my horse actually respond to the most? Me talking to him and telling him that he is a good boy? Giving him a pat on his neck? Or a good, hearty scratch? Imagine my surprise when I read a recent article on Horsetalk that details how British researchers concluded that horses prefer a good scratch on their withers instead of a pat.
Findings were presented at the International Equitation Science Conference in Denmark, and researchers claim that “wither scratching could potentially increase horse/human bonding and act as a more effective reward.” So next time you go to pat your horse, you might just want to consider a scratch — if you follow the researcher’s advice! Check out the article here at Horsetalk.
You can also reward your horse after a workout by using Absorbine’s Botanicals Natural Herbal Liniment!
Haynet Design and Forage Consumption Rates Studied — How much difference can a “slow feed” hay net make versus a regular hay net when it comes to feed consumption anyway? According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, consuming hay from a medium-sized “slow feed” net (with 1.75-inch openings) takes an average of 5.1 hours, while horses consuming hay from a small-sized “slow feed” net (with 1.25-inch openings) take an average of 6.5 hours. [The Horse]
Pharmacy Gets Warning Over Compounded Horse Drugs — The FDA has issued a warning letter to Wickliffe Pharmaceutical, located in Lexington, Ky., following the test of an EPM medication that has been linked to the death of four horses. [Horsetalk]
Why Movement Is So Important for Horses — Why doesn’t love looking at endless rolling pastures with groups of horses grazing? A recent article details why movement is so essential for the physical and mental well being of horses. [EquiMed]
The Basic Physical Examination — Do you know the basic vital signs that you should check if your horse seems not quite right? A recent article on The Horse.com suggests that all horse owners should be knowledgeable of the basics of a physical examination in case an emergency arises. [The Horse]
And while this particular article relates more to rider health, I found it interesting nonetheless. Higher-placed eventers are more likely to fall on cross-country at one-day events, according to British researchers from Myerscough College. Definitely worth reading! [HorseTalk]
