This is the 9th in a series of articles by R.M. Miller, DVM. Dr. Mi l ler is a recognized authority on horse behavior and the author of"lmprint Training of the Newborn Foal," as well as other books and articles. Reprints of this article are NOT available.

WHY DO WE NEED TO BE DEFENSIVE?

by Robert M. Miller, DVM

In the first part of this series we explained why horses are potentially dangerous, especially if they are handled ineptly. We examined the inherent flightiness of the horse, and realized that flight is the primary survival be- havior of the species. We showed how the horse is physiologically equipped to flee danger, having keen senses of smell, hearing, vision, and touch, and great powers of percept ivi ty and memory. We also considered the ana- tomical attributes of the horse, which further facilitate flight from danger.

anu a caru~ovascu~ar anu respiratory : system designed for sprinting. Further, the nature of the horse's muscle struc- ture and nervous system contribute to a remarkably fast reaction time.

In addition to the flightiness of the horse, we also described other charac- teristics of his mind. The ability of the horse to very quickly become desensi- tized to frightening stimuli by means of several different techniques is one such characteristic. Another is the fact that, being a herd animal, the horse is equipped by nature to fall into a place in a dominance hierarchy. This means that every horse can be dominated and can willingly accept human leadership if proper techniques are used.

We also mentioned how the atti- tude and the temperament of persons handling horses can either minimize or amplify the flightiness of the animals.

Finally, we discussed the body lan- guage of horses, and how humans can understand them.

All of this information verifies what was stated in the beginning. That

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are caused by the natural flightiness of the species; that horses can be easily desensitized to flight-provoking, harm- less, but frightening stimuli if one knows how, that even difficult, dominant horses can be rendered subordinate by certain techniques, and that- - impor- tantly - - when a horse is exposed to at NEW, UNFAMILIAR, FRIGHTEN- ING STIMULUS, it can evoke a flight reaction, even in the gentlest and best-trained animal.

With this foundation of understand- ing, we can now go into the concept of Defensive Horsemanship, and we will do this in four different situations:

1. When the horse is at liberty, in an environment lacking human presence.

2. When working with horses on the ground.

3. When riding. 4. When working with horses in nec-

essarily exposed (to danger) situa- tions such as grooming, doctoring, breeding, etc.

Cost: $1375 per person, double occupancy. Includes airfare from Los Angeles. Add-on airfares available for departure from other cities.

It's Miller Time again on the Island of Maui

H O R S E B E H A V I O R A N D M O R E ..... Robert M. Miller, DVM

7 nights - 8 days Great speaker, good company, fabulous scenery. Sign up soon! Participation is limited.

Spend a week at the Ro, val Lahaina Resort on beautiful Kaanapali Beach on Maui. In addition to Dr. Miller's seminar, the week will include the following: �9 RT airfare from Los Angeles, with fresh flower lei greeting upon arrival. �9 RT transfer to hotel, or car rental package at 50% discount. �9 Hilo Hattie gift certificate, one per room. Free tote bag. �9 A no-host get acquainted party at the Royal Lahaina to meet new participants and greet old friends. �9 A cattle drive on the historic and scenic Ulupalakua Ranch, followed by a Hawaiian barbecue, dance and party. �9 Morning seminars and afternoon fun. Plenty of free time to explore Maui on your own.

(optional group activities such as snorkeling, the best luau on the island, island tour to Hana) �9 Maui Rodeo (Hawaiian rodeos are a unique experience).

Contact A n n Jones: JEVS (909) 678 -1889 �9 Hurry, space is l imited, especia l ly for catt le drive.

Volume 18, Number 2, 1998 79