Archive for September 17th, 2009

What is Ethology?

Written by Hiddenhorse on 17/09/2009 – 9:38 pm -

Basically ethology is the study of animal behavior, with the emphasis on studying animal behavior in the wild. The first ethologists were field zoologists who observed and recorded animal behavior, from their observations they cross-referenced and compiled lists of verified behaviors, these lists are known as ethograms. So an ethogram is really an documented ‘model’ of the behaviors of a species. Read more »

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What is Paddock Paradise?

Written by Hiddenhorse on 17/09/2009 – 7:56 pm -

Paddock paradise is a management system for horses based on allowing the herd constant movement, (should they choose to take it), around a continuous looped track. This system was first proposed by Jamie Jackson in his book ‘Paddock Paradise’ published in 2006 by Star-Ridge Publishing. Read more »

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The Seven Principles of Natural Horse Keeping

Written by Hiddenhorse on 17/09/2009 – 11:19 am -

The following principles are the basis of all of my management of the horse. I introduce them here as a point of reference for further posts.

  1. PRINCIPLE NUMBER ONE: ALL OUR MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE MUST ALWAYS CREATE GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN THE HERD.
  2. We base or relationship on the ethogram of the horse. That means: Life in a herd, a life full of natural movement, a diet that closely relates to the natural fiber based diet.
  3. Horses need to move, constant movement anytime day or night is a fundamental right of the herd.
  4. Management is based on the environment not just the horse
  5. The opportunity to feed is the main daily activity. Up to 20 hours per day!
  6. There is always something to look at or do. Horses have a right to live in a stimulating environment
  7. RESPECT THE HORSE AS A HORSE
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