Horses - The White Horse Farm Equine Ethology Project - July 2001 - equiworld.net

The White Horse Farm Equine Ethology Project

The White Horse Farm Equine Ethology Project has been running for approaching ten years, and during that time many insights have been gained into the depth and complexity of natural social behaviour in Equus Caballus.

As with any other pure research project, funding has been very hard to find - particularly as the project is non-invasive and therefore of no interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Many of the psychological problems experienced by owners, which can so often result in heartache, disappointment and expense are the result of inappropriate or abusive management practices. The value of project research is that it clearly establishes ways in which we can do better and so enrich the equine/human relationship.

The project maintains three generations of an extended family group, and allows research to be carried out into aspects of behaviour that would be virtually impossible in a fully free-ranging situation. Yet unless funding is found within the next few weeks the Bank will force a mortgagee sale of the property which will result in the families being dispersed.

Suggestions, donations or ideas for saving the project are warmly welcomed, and can be addressed to the Research Director at: whfeep@ihug.co.nz or alternatively to the webmaster: www.equine-behavior.com