Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Perception
3. Behavior and the brain
4. Learning
5. Social behavior
6. Communication
7. Locomotory behavior
8. Ingestive behavior
9. Eliminative behavior
10. Body care
11. Behavior of the stallion
12. Behavior of the mare
13. Equitation Science
14. Handling and transport
15. Miscellaneous unwelcome behaviors, their causes and
resolution
Further reading
Glossary of colloquialisms, ethological and equestrian
terms
"With our association with animals there is the ever present
tendency by us humans to interpret animal behaviour in a human way,
and it is no different with horses. There are many occasions when
we see or use human values and interpretations to describe or
define the behaviour of our equine companions. More often than not
it is done without us recognizing the fact, and to do so is to
insult the uniqueness of equines and their behaviour. Observations
on equine behaviour have been conducted for centuries and today
there is greater inquiry from horse owners for information to
understand more fully the behaviour of equines.
If you have an inquiring and analytical mind and wish to understand
better why and how your horse behaves then Dr Paul McGreevy's book
Equine Behaviour is an outstanding reference. Although it is
referred to as a guide for veterinarians and equine scientists, do
not be put off. It contains a feast of information for the
non-scientifically trained reader.
There is a glossary of colloquialisms, ethological (what did you
say? Hit an English dictionary it is in there) and equestrian terms
for the vets and equine scientists, many of which would be only too
familiar to equestrians.
There are fifteen chapters covering 369 pages and the depth and
breadth of the work is outstanding. Following the introductory
chapter this reference work covers perception, behaviour and the
brain, learning, social behaviour, communication, locomotory
behaviour, ingestive behaviour, eliminative behaviour, body care,
behaviour of the stallion, behaviour of the mare, training,
handling and transport, and miscellaneous unwelcome behaviours,
their causes and resolution. The utilization of photographs, line
diagrams and tables to illustrate and amplify aspects of behaviour
and key points is beautifully done. Furthermore the layout of the
book is extremely reader friendly.
What separates Dr McGreevy's book from other popular publications
in the equine behaviour field is that his work is based on
scientific study. Moreover it draws on scientific knowledge from
over 1000 references. Dr McGreevy has drawn on the expertise of two
contributors to enhance the work - Dr Caroline Hahn from the
University of Edinburgh, UK wrote the chapter on behaviour and the
brain and Dr McGreevy and Andrew McLean from the Australian Equine
Behaviour Centre, Victoria jointly wrote the chapter on training."
Jane Vincent, Australian Horse Industry Research Newsletter,
September 2004
Hoofbeats, October 2004
"This book is a unique attempt to throw light onto the how and why
of problems and unwelcome behaviours, offering solutions and a
practical hands-on approach to all aspects of equine handling and
management. The easy to read and well laid out format, including
excellent illustrations, photo's, tables, graphs and a
comprehensive glossary allow any horseperson to understand and
benefit from this book."
"This is a well-researched and well-presented review of current
observations and ideas on the subject of equine behaviour. This
book does educate and, in my opinion, should be read by anyone
working with, or training to work, with horses."
Deirdre Carson, February 2005
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