Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice

Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice reviews the current psychological, behavioral, and welfare knowledge equine veterinarians should have and discusses how such knowledge may be incorporated into clinical practices. It covers such topics as practical welfare assessment, fear-free practices, and how horses learn (both good and bad habits). Written by international experts, the book explores the physical, psychological, and behavioral factors contributing to equine welfare, while also discussing current knowledge about topics such as equine senses, cognition, and stereotypies, as well as appropriate and inappropriate training methods for both adult horses and foals.

In addition, the book addresses differentiating medical from behavioral problems and discusses the new field of how gut microbiome affects behavior. This is an important resource for clinical veterinarians who want to incorporate knowledge of equine behavior and welfare into their practices. Veterinarians who understand and can educate their clients in equine welfare and safe and appropriate care and handling techniques will increase their business success, improve the lives of their clients and patients, and strengthen the human-animal bond. In addition, the book will also provide updated information and useful practical tips for those who are already familiar with equine psychology, behavior, and welfare.

1. Equine Welfare Assessments: The Five Domains
2. Applying Learning Theory to Equine Training and Handling
3. "Fear Free" Veterinary Practices for Horses
4. Raising Well-Trained Foals: Training and Handling Suggestions
5. Appropriate and Inappropriate Equine Training Methods
6. Identifying Behavioral vs. Medical Problems
7. Prevention and Treatment of Equine Stereotypies
8. Effects of the Diet and Gut Microbiome on Equine Behavior
9. Equine Cognition: What Horses Know and Understand
10. Equine Senses: Understanding the Differences Between Horse and Human Perceptions

Virginia Wensley Koch works in the Morris Animal Foundation in Loveland, CO, USA.