The behaviour of horses during and after transport by road

Effects of the different transport phases on equine health status, behavior, and welfare: A review

“…The latter behaviors could be explained due to the slight dehydration caused by a long 540 journey, which could have had been a direct cause of the positive influence on drinking behavior 541 (Iacono et al, 2007a). It was in agreement with another study where horses, after 6 hours 542 transportation, tended to spend more time standing, playing or resting only after drinking and eating 543 (Waran, 1993). 544…”

“…Furthermore, this location 337 could stimulate travelling horses to eat with a lowered head position, which seems to be fundamental 338 in reducing the development of respiratory diseases (Raidal et al, 1996). Regardless of whether or not 339 feed is provided during travel, weight losses are reported after a journey (Waran, 1993). Weight loss is 340 likely to be due to a combination of reduced feed and water intake and increased energy expenditure 341 and fluid loss through sweating (Smith et al, 1996).…”

“…In fact, climbing a ramp is probably a frightening experience for 239 a naïve horse, and although horses may become accustomed to the situation, experienced horses are 240 still stimulated in some way. This elevation in heart rate can be ascribed partly to the energy expended 241 in climbing the ramp and partly to the emotional fear (Waran, 1993). Evasive behavior during loading 242 is typical of very young horses and the time taken to load is influenced by age.…”

“…Little is known of horses' behaviors after a journey, and very often, behavioral alterations noted 531 may be a result of environmental change (Waran, 1993). The behaviors of horses transported both 532 short and long distances were studied.…”

Preliminary Study on the Effects of Long Distance Road Transport on Some Blood Constituents in Recently Weaned Thoroughbred Foals

“…The transport of animals involves several steps (handling, separation from familiar environment, loading, confinement, deprivation of water, unloading, and among others), which can act as potential stressors for them [1,2].…”