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bachelor stallions. Examples of play sexual behaviour include mounting another horse or marking a dung pile with faeces.
Locomotor play includes any play behaviour that is performed whilst in motion, whether in walk, trot, canter or gallop. Running and bucking are two common types of locomotor play.
Play fighting consists of sequences and elements similar to adult fighting, but of a more affable nature. During play fights, individuals appear to alternate offensive and defensive roles.
Signals for Play
Equines can start and stop play sessions through a series of behavioural signals. Common initiators are nudging or nipping, approaching nose-to-nose, as well pawing at another
horse. Play fighting, in particular, is often initiated through head-tossing.
Play bouts can be halted using a terminator. These cues are quite obvious, contrasting to play by force and intent. These include pinning the ears back, forcefully biting an individual, turning the rump towards the other animal and kicking or striking with firm resolve.
Play can also be ended in a less aggressive manner by participants prancing away. Mutual grooming is commonly seen before or after a play about.
Other than during frolicking, play tends to be quieter without the usual vocalisations present in serious behaviour. This is particularly evident during play fighting - whereas a fighting adult might grunt and squeal, these sounds are usually absent during play sessions.
Understanding the role and benefits of play behaviour is important. Play constitutes key part of foal development and recreational behaviour in adults. Whilst it is important that horses of all ages are provided with the opportunity to play, socially and independently, this is particularly crucial for foals. Facilitating play in domestic horse management is an essential consideration for horse owners.
Object Play
Play Sexual Behaviour
Marking dung or urine by defecating or urinating
Teasing
Mounting
Locomotor Play
Frolicking
Running
Chasing
Bucking
Jumping leap
Prancing
Object Play
Nibbling, sniffing or licking, mouthing, or chewing
Picking up an item
Shaking, carrying, dropping or tossing an item
Pulling and pawing
Kicking upwards
Moving towards and away from something
Circling
Rearing whilst resting on a herd-mate
Play Fighting
Biting, grasping or nipping the head, neck, chest, legs or rump
Pushing
Stamping
Rearing
Threatening with the hindquarters
Kicking
Evasively balking, jumping or spinning