Horse-Play!
written by Louise Napthine MSc
Play is a fundamental aspect of equine behaviour. Desire to play starts in early foal-hood and continues even in adulthood. It is an important aspect of development, with around 75% of the foal's time devoted to play. It is exhibited in a range of equids, from Asses to Zebras, and carries benefits, both physiological and psychological.
So, how do equines play and why do they do it?
The Role and Benefits of Play
Play can be defined as an activity which appears to have no immediate use or function for the horse, but at the same time evokes a sense of pleasure and surprise.
Largely, younger horses spend more time at play than older horses. Within the first four weeks of life, whilst the foal stays close to it's dam, play behaviour is quite solitary.
However, after the first month youngsters begin to socialise with other foals. Male foals spend more time playing than female foals and are more inclined to exhibit aggressive,
fighting-related play behaviour.
Like humans, play behaviour in young horses is related to learning and development. This type of recreation allows the foal to develop and practice locomotory skills as well as interact with other foals. Play also enhances social relationships and strengthens pair bonds. Physiological benefits include enhancement
of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness, practice of survival skills and building knowledge of a particular terrain or environment.
When studying a group of feral horses, Cameron and colleagues found that, not only did youngsters which played more survive better, they also had better body condition as
yearlings.
As well as improving equine