Why Equine Ethology Matters for Domestic horses

Semi-wild Dartmoor Ponies in the United Kingdom. Photo by Anthrozoology Researcher, Irene Perrett

Why Equine Ethology Matters for Domestic Horses

By Désirée Braganza, EdD, EBQ

In my work at Bodhi Horse Practice, I’m often asked what it means to approach horse behavior through equine ethology. In essence, it’s the study of horses’ natural behaviors in their original environments—how they live, interact, and communicate in the wild or semi-wild. This isn’t about recreating some idealized wilderness or even ‘natural horsemanship’; it’s about understanding how these instincts play out in the day-to-day lives of our domestic equines and then using that knowledge to support their wellbeing.

Grazing and Foraging Behavior

Take grazing, for example. Wild and semi-wild equines graze for about 16 hours each day. Foraging is both a noun and a verb where equines are constantly moving and choosing a variety of different plants. This constant, low-level foraging affects everything from digestion to social bonding. Domestic horses, often kept in stalls or limited turnout areas, may have only a few hours a day to eat or move around. This shift can lead to boredom, digestive issues, or anxiety. By keeping natural rhythms in mind, I work with clients to introduce feeding routines, diversity of appropriate forage, and environments that encourage their equines to engage in ways more natural to them.

Communication and Social Bonds

Communication and social bonds are another huge aspect. Horses in the wild are born into community, where every member of the herd plays a role in their care and protection. From the moment they’re born, foals are surrounded by a circle of guardians—older mares, watchful stallions, and even young horses who help keep an eye out. This natural network teaches them how to navigate the world, and it’s through these relationships that young horses learn vital survival skills, gain confidence, and feel secure. In the wild, care isn’t just a job for one horse or their mother alone; it’s woven into the fabric of the herd’s daily life. Every member, from the strongest to the most vulnerable, has a place and purpose.

Challenges in Domestic Settings

In the wild, horses rely on subtle body language cues and on the herd to feel secure. In domestic settings, horses may be isolated or in unnatural groups. A stallion kept alone, with limited opportunity to develop social skills, might carry the effects of this early isolation as trauma, even if gelded later in life. Mares might be grouped together causing a disruption of their natural hormonal cycles. A new mother and foal might be kept by together, but separate from others thereby insulating them from the benefits of a supportive herd community.

An Ethological Approach to Domestic Equines

As an ethologist working with domestic equines, whether competition athletes, off-track raced breeds or trail buddies, I look at a horse’s behavior in context—who they’re with, how they express themselves, and where they’re kept. This approach can highlight the needs and preferences of individual horses and help us support more balanced, socially aware ways to live in relationship with them.

Building Trust and Understanding

At the heart of it, my practice is about working with—not against—these innate behaviors. By bridging what we know of wild equines to the lives of domestic ones, Bodhi Horse Practice supports equines in feeling more at ease, and ultimately, more themselves. Ethology isn’t just an academic idea for me; it’s a way to build mutual safety, trust and understanding with every horse I meet.

About the Author

Dr. Désirée Braganza received her equine behaviorist qualifications from the Natural Animal Centre, then located in the UK and South Africa. As a member of Bodhi Horse Practice, she collaborates with equine professionals worldwide on research projects specific to experiences of domesticated horses from an ethological lens. She is a horse partner, a rider, and has cared for and supported numerous horses over the years. Désirée recently relocated from Northern California and is now based in Athens, Georgia, USA. She consults internationally in-person and virtually.

Group and stallion with yearling semi-wild Dartmoor ponies in the United Kingdom, photos courtesy of Irene Perrett, Anthrozoology Researcher.

Friendly Reminder: These articles are meant to spark thought, not replace expert guidance. Consult equine professionals for individual advice.