Horse Behavior

Research studies on equine intelligence and behavior are bringing new insights into how smart horses really are.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and test your knowledge of horse behavior with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and test your knowledge of safety and horsemanship on the trail with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and test your knowledge of safety and horsemanship on the trail with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Challenge yourself! Have fun and test your knowledge of horse behavior and horseback riding with Horse&Rider’s Trivia Challenge, featured in The Ride newsletter.

Is your horse playing hard to get? Learn some of the causes of this wayward behavior, plus how to recondition a horse that’s persistently hard to catch.

When you feed horses in a group, follow this advice to make sure everyone eats and stays safe.

Equine aggression in a ridden horse should never be ignored. Learn the causes plus some fixes you can apply from the saddle.

Learn what we really know about headshaking, a complex, confusing, and often frustrating condition.

Perhaps you play with your horse and no harm has come from it—yet. You should realize, however, that playing with horses can lead to trouble. Here’s why.

Wish your hot horse were more level-headed? Here are drug-free strategies to help him be as happy and mellow as possible.

What to know and do to keep your horse from panicking and possibly hurting himself at the sound of Fourth of July celebrations.

How does your horse see the world? Take a ride with us and gain a little insight—from your horse’s perspective.

If horses could choose someone to speak on their behalf, they’d pick Tom Dorrance, a gentle man whose philosophy is as much about living as it is about riding. (An H&R ‘Close Up’ profile first published in July 1997.)

If you don't learn how to address your horse's resistances when they first appear, you'll just enable his bullying tactics.

Does your horse panic at the sight of a needle and syringe? Learn why he says "whoa, no way!" to needles and how to solve this frustrating (sometimes dangerous) problem.

What do experts say about the advisability of feeding treats to your horse—*will* it result in nipping?

Animal scientist Temple Grandin, PhD, offers insights into your horse's thoughts and feelings and how they affect his behavior.