The Journal of Animal Consciousness Vol 1, Issue 2 Vol 1 Issue 2 | Page 38

mating affair is not a natural one requiring invasive

(Equus burchellii & Equus grevyi) do not develop

techniques and in some cases the mare is forced to

ulcers if they have sufficient space and grazing.

breed with a stallion despite her repeated resistance

Ulcers are only identified after translocation and

(tantamount to rape) (Premarin.org, 2015; S.

severe unnatural stress (Sapolsky, 1998).

Reagan, personal communication, October 15th,

Traditionally, domesticated equines are

2015). It is the belief of this author that these early

routinely separated from the herd, are lumped with

experiences deeply affect the horse during

herd members with repeated removal, reduced

developmental milestones and affect the quality of

affiliation, have limited con-specific grooming and

attachment.

These experiences create a state of

sensory contact, are repeatedly transported to shows

chronic stress. Indeed, gastroduodenal ulceration in

and events, repeatedly trained with mechanical aids

foals is now considered a recognized phenomenon

for ‘control’ (whips etc), housed in small cells (12 x

and is believed to be related to stress and microbiota

12ft is typical) and released for bouts of exercise at

imbalance (Becht & Byars, 1986; Nieto, 2012;

liberty alone (often referred to as turnout) all reduce

Reagan, 2012). It is well documented that lack of

the potential for emotional, cognitive and social

adequate forage (the norm is two flakes of dry hay a

balance in the life of an equine (De Giorgio &

day) and the introduction of grain in equine diets

Schoorl, 2013; Reagan, 2012; S. Reagan, personal

along with limited space and over work creates the

communication, October 20th, 2015). These are all

ideal environment for chronic stress (Reagan, 2012;

unnatural and highly stressful experiences to a herd

Nieto, 2012). Over time this creates the pathway to

animal whose existence is founded on walking long

trauma.

Ulcers, colic and other gastrointestinal

distances, foraging for up to eighteen hours a day,

problems are common in captivity (especially in the

social cohesion, affiliation and reproduction

racing industry), a phenomenon that is only

(Sapolsky, 1998; Reagan, 2012; De Giorgio &

acknowledged when the physiological effects are

Schoorl, 2013).

present (Reagan, 2012; Nieto, 2012).

Even then

stereotypical behaviors found in other captive

pharmaceuticals are used in ulcer management other

animals can be seen in domesticated horses such as

mitigating factors influencing the bio-psycho-socio-

weaving, pacing and wood chewing (Hausberger,

affect complex remain unchanged (Nieto, 2012;

Gautier, Biquand, Lunel & Jego, 2009; Reagan,

Reagan, 2012). Equally the chronic stress levels are

2012; De Giorgio & Schoorl, 2013).

Furthermore, some of the

maintained therefore suppressing the symptoms

Furthermore, equines are herd animals and

rather than addressing the root causes (Reagan,

induced separation for human purposes has severe

2012). Indeed, according to Sapolsky (1998) zebras

consequences on the mental and emotional stability

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© The Society for Animal Consciousness 2016.

Issue 2, Vol 1, April 2016.