By Dr. Ken Marlborough, The Horse Professor

A little known horse behavior is “imitation.”  Horses imitate the herding behaviors of of horses, but did you know they also imitate people?

The idea of horses imitating us may seem far fetched.  The concept is more credible when you consider how we influence their behavior.  For example, a frightened horse can be calmed down by a rider by simply petting it on the neck.  A calm horse can also be excited and become frightened by a nervous rider that is agitated, tense, and excitable. Read more…

A few days ago, I was called by Officer Vail of animal control about a horse that had been left in its stall and was in extremely poor condition and needed emergency attention. His owner was an illegal who had committed a crime and was sent back to Mexico. As I drove out to see the horse, I thought to myself, “Is this going to be as bad as it sounds?” I prepared myself mentally and emotionally so that I would not be overwhelmed by what I was getting ready to see.

When I reached the site, I saw that all the stalls were make-shift constructions of plywood and fencing, and they were filthy. Before I got out of my truck I saw Officer Vail hauling a hose. I said “Hi Officer Vail, what’s going on?” She said, “I can’t believe it these stalls have no water in them and it’s so hot. I don’t like what I’m seeing right now.” It was over 100 degrees.

Lazarus Left In His Stall to Die

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