The social behaviour of horses living in herds can influence their body condition, a study has indicated.
It is hoped the research, conducted by the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Spillers through the Waltham equine studies group, could help address problems associated with equine obesity.
Previous studies have found that social status of animals in social groups may influence their foraging success but there has been no research into the significance of other social factors on either foraging efficiency or body condition score (BCS).
This research, published in PeerJ, investigated 20 separate domestic equine herds.
The team measured each equid’s social dominance and, during 120 hours of observation, recorded the duration and frequency of interruptions to grazing, as well as the cause of the interruptions; classing them as vigilance, movement, social displacements given or received, scratching and startling.
They found the frequency of vigilance was the interruption behaviour most strongly associated with body condition; higher vigilance was linked to a lower BCS.
“Most owners and keepers know that individual horses and ponies experience different positives and negatives when living in groups,” said Spillers’ marketing, research and development director Clare Barfoot.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“This is why we tend to choose field companions carefully so that a balanced and harmonious relationship can be maintained within the herd.”
“These results are novel and exciting in that they present the first behavioural evidence to confirm previous theoretical work. Neither the more vigilant nor the more frequently disturbed individuals compensated for their reduction in feed (energy) intake by spending more time foraging, which probably explains the link with lower body condition.
“We hope what we have learnt about the behaviour of individual horses when kept in groups could be included as a relevant factor when addressing health problems associated with equine obesity.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
