How Horses Feel and Think Understanding Behaviour, Emotions and Intelligence

by Wendt, Marlitt

• ISBN13: 9780857880000
• ISBN10: 0857880004
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-06-01
• Publisher: Cadmos Books

Summary

A fascinating journey into the equine emotional world Offering a good basis for horse owners to learn to relate better to their horses, this book introduces readers to the language of horses, their astonishing mental capabilities, and their deepest emotions. There is background information and practical tools here for owners to develop a more harmonious relationship to their horses and to school their horses without using force but in a positive, pro-active way. Written in an accessible, sometimes light-hearted style from a practical point of view, it successfully bridges the gap between science and the daily experience of those who deal with horses.

Author Biography

Marlitt Wendt is a biologist specializing in behavioral sciences and an adviser on behavior issues for equestrian centers. She works to promote a non-violent relationship between humans and horses by encouraging better understanding.

Table of Contents

A Journey of Discovery into Equine Psychology	p. 8
The Ethology and Evolution of the Horse	p. 11
What is Behaviour?	p. 12
Tinbergen's Questions	p. 13
Instincts in Horses	p. 13
Ethology and Psychology Go Hand in Hand	p. 14
A Brief Excursion into Evolutionary Biology	p. 15
Development of Behaviour and Personality	p. 19
Life Begins	p. 20
Weaning - A Common Trauma	p. 23
The Misunderstood Hierarchy	p. 24
In the Realm of the Senses	p. 29
Seeing the World with Equine Eyes	p. 30
The Tone Sets the Mood	p. 33
Caution: Stimulation!	p. 35
Emotions - An Alien World	p. 39
Do You Feel It Too?	p. 40
The Origin of Emotions	p. 40
Messages from the Brain	p. 44
The Horse's Language as an Expression of Emotions	p. 47
The ABC of Horses	p. 48
Fear - A Powerful Emotion	p. 49
Faces of Anger	p. 51
Playful Faces and Pouting Noses	p. 51
When the Horse's Soul Is at Ease	p. 53
The Fine Print of Horse Language	p. 54
Facial Expressions in Horses	p. 54
Calming Signals	p. 54
Emotions as Communication Strategies	p. 56
Errors in Translation	p. 58
When the Soul Freezes	p. 58
Insights into the Equine Brain	p. 61
Small Brains - Large Effect	p. 62
The Source of Happiness	p. 63
Learning on the Limit	p. 64
The Brain Grows with its Tasks	p. 64
We Live in Parallel Worlds	p. 67
Motivate Your Horse!	p. 69
Are You in the Mood?	p. 70
The Right Work Ethic	p. 71
Positive Learning	p. 75
How Do Horses Learn?	p. 76
Demotivating Training Methods	p. 77
Reward, But Correctly!	p. 79
If Horses Could Choose	p. 81
Carrots and Games	p. 83
Begging - A Problem?	p. 83
Tips for Quick Learning Success	p. 85
Brainiacs	p. 89
Fast Learners	p. 90
Memory Artists	p. 91
The Sea of Creativity	p. 93
Learning to Learn	p. 94
In-the-Box Thinking	p. 95
Brain Exercises for Horses	p. 96
Withered Souls	p. 99
The Basic Rights of Horses	p. 100
Behavioural Disorders	p. 101
The Stress is Killing Me!	p. 104
Living in Balance	p. 106
Learned Helplessness	p. 107
The Fascinating Horse	p. 109
Appendix	p. 110
Recommended Reading	p. 110
Contact the Author	p. 110
Index	p. 110
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