Scott Robertson
Howdy! This month we are going to focus on how to identify equine anxiety behaviors and whether your equine companion is asking for help.
Common Display Signals of Horse Anxiety
There are several common display signals of horse anxiety that you can learn to watch for.
Weaving: This includes horses who weave-walk from side to side or sway. They may take two steps to the right, two to the left, and continue for hours as if in a trance. Horses in this state often have difficulty settling down and will dig holes in the stall floor or move all their shavings to the side.
Stall walking Stall walking is similar to weaving, but horses generally walk around in circles rather than moving side-to-side. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, weaving and walking are signs of stress, boredom, and anxiety in horses. They can cause strain on the joints and ligaments as well as potential gut issues from the stress.
Shaking or trembling: Anxiety may cause a horse to shake or tremble while being ridden, led or simply while standing. This can be dangerous for both the horse and rider as it may lead to bolting.
Rolling eyes: A horse that rolls its eyes is frightened. Its posture may be tense, or may tremble while rolling its eyes. Often this is associated with an action or memory the horse is recalling that was traumatic and caused either physical or mental injury.
Backing into a corner: As prey animals, horses seek the fastest way to leave a scary situation. They may back themselves into a corner in a stall.
Rearing: Horses rear to strike with their front legs. Rearing may be a sign of fright.
Spooking or bolting: A horse that spooks suddenly veers from the object that startled it. Horses may spook and then bolt, which means to run off. Bolting may occur when being ridden or led with a rope. Either situation can be dangerous for both the horse and the individual
Thankfully, naturally occurring cannabinoids provide a natural way to balance the anxiety level in your horse, and adjust to new surroundings, environments, changes and separation. If you are experiencing any of the these behaviors with your horse, or have questions about how or when to use cannabinoid products to manage anxiety, contact me directly at [email protected]. Or visit our website, www.tomlusa.com for more information – and to also learn more about The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Foundation of America.
