Applied Equine Ethology in the Clinical Environment

by Janine Davies , P: Andrew McLean
June 2023

Applied Equine Ethology in the Clinical Environment is a practical, science-based guide that translates equine behaviour and ethology principles into everyday clinical practice. The book focuses on how understanding normal and abnormal equine behaviour can significantly improve handling, safety, welfare, and clinical outcomes in veterinary environments.

Designed specifically for use in clinics, hospitals, and field practice, this book explains how horses perceive, react, and learn in stressful clinical situations. It provides veterinarians and equine professionals with actionable strategies to reduce fear, manage pain-related behaviours, and create safer, more welfare-friendly clinical interactions. By integrating behavioural science with clinical workflows, this resource helps professionals adapt examination, restraint, treatment, and hospitalization protocols to align with equine behavioral needs, benefiting both the horse and the veterinary team.

• Core principles of equine ethology
• Behavioural responses to stress, pain, and handling
• Horse behaviour in clinical and hospital settings
• Improving safety during examination and procedures
• Welfare-oriented handling and restraint techniques
• Behaviour-informed clinical decision making

The aim of this book is to create awareness of how to apply existing methodologies, new techniques and practices that enhance all aspects of equine behaviour and welfare. This will subsequently reduce arousal states and diminish flight and fight responses.