Effects of Social Interactions and Foundational Training on Behavior, Temperament, and Hormone Levels in Weanling Horses

Horses are social animals, with early life experiences playing a crucial role in their physiological and behavioral development. This study explored the influence of herd dynamics and foundational training on behavioral and hormonal changes in weaned foals. We examined 13 six-month-old Quarter Horse foals over a three-month training period, performing behavioral observations, temperament assessments, and hormone analyses at the start, midpoint, and end of the training. The results indicated that affiliative behaviors decreased significantly, while agonistic behaviors first increased and then decreased. Cortisol levels consistently declined throughout this study, whereas oxytocin levels remained stable. Linear regression analysis showed that cortisol was positively associated with affiliative behaviors and influenced by fearfulness and stubbornness. Conversely, oxytocin was positively associated with friendliness. The handlers' proficiency significantly affected the foals' outcomes; those managed by more skilled handlers exhibited significant improvements in confidence, friendliness, and reductions in cortisol, fearfulness, and stubbornness. These findings suggest the importance of handler skill in influencing equine behavior and hormonal balance. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the significant impacts of socialization and training on the behavioral, temperamental, and hormonal profiles of weaned foals, confirming the importance of handler expertise in fostering desirable traits in young horses.