The Psychological Effect That Travelling Has on Horses by Trina Goddard, 2000

The Psychological Effect That Travelling Has on Horses

by Trina Goddard, 2000

Trina Goddard investigates the psychological and physical effects of travelling on five horses with different ages, temperaments and previous travelling experiences. By monitoring heart rates and behaviour under a range of travelling conditions, the project explores practical ways of reducing stress and helping horses travel more comfortably.

Project abstract

This Horse Psychology Project examines how travelling conditions affect horses’ stress levels, behaviour and physical responses. Five horses were studied: Iturel, Daisy, Emily, Edward and Misty. Their travelling experience ranged from extensive international transport to having travelled only once previously.

Each horse’s resting heart rate was established before a series of journeys was undertaken. Heart-rate readings were then recorded alongside observations of sweating, balance, pawing, vocalisation, defecation and condition upon arrival. The horses travelled under several different conditions, including alone, with hay, with a companion, wearing a magnetic rug, loose in the horsebox, following the application of aromatherapy oils, in darkness and with the interior lights switched on.

The results varied between individuals. Travelling with company produced a marked reduction in heart rate for Iturel and Emily, while hay had relatively little effect on them. Travelling loose benefited some horses but made Emily more unsettled. Heart rates were generally lower with the horsebox lights switched on than when travelling in darkness. Within these experiments, the aromatherapy blend was associated with steadier heart rates and fewer stress-related observations across the horses.

The project concludes that no single arrangement suits every horse. Their history, experience and temperament should be considered, with careful driving, sufficient space, ventilation, secure footing and gradual confidence-building forming important parts of safer, less stressful travel.