Responsible

Abstract

Partners

University of Bristol

Description

This 3-year project investigates the motivation for social contact in horses by means of established methods like operant conditioning and preference tests. Horses are by nature social animals but in traditional horse housing their opportunity for social contact is very limited. So far it is not known if this limited social contact fulfil the motivation for social contact in horses. Likewise, it is not known if the motivation for social contact depends on previous experiences with social contact or on the context. A more thorough knowledge on the motivation for social contact in horses will be beneficial when legislation for housing of horses is implemented and when guiding horse owners on how to keep horses.

For further information please contact the responsible scientist.

Financing