BEHAVIOUR ISSUE 37_Jerkins feature.qxd 04/03/2012 16:29 Page 1
NUTRITION
CALMING INFLUENCE Nervousness, nappyness and excitability in horses in training can be frustrating for trainers and sometimes dangerous for those riding out. Behaviours such as wood chewing, windsucking or crib biting are equally undesirable as they can often lead to poor condition. Occasionally these oral stereotypical behaviours can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Health conditions such as tying up or gastric ulcers are anecdotally more prevalent in horses that appear to be anxious or stressed. There is no doubt that genetic make-up, environment, and the level and type of work will influence certain aspects of behaviour, so there is always a great interest amongst horse professionals on the effect of a diet including supplements. WORDS: CatheRine Dunnett BSC, PhD, R.nutR PhOtOS: FiOna BOyD, hORSePhOtOS.COM
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