CHA Horse Behavior & Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A horse pinning its ears flat back against its head most likely indicates:
- Relaxation and contentment
- Aggression or irritation (Correct answer)
- Deep focus on a task
- Readiness to be bridled
Correct answer: Aggression or irritation
Flat pinned ears are a primary warning signal of aggression or strong irritation in horses.
Question 2: When introducing a new horse to a herd, the safest initial approach is to:
- Place the new horse directly in the paddock with the herd
- Allow horses to meet over a safe fence line first (Correct answer)
- Keep the new horse isolated indefinitely
- Introduce the new horse only at feeding time
Correct answer: Allow horses to meet over a safe fence line first
Allowing horses to smell and interact over a fence reduces injury risk before full integration.
Question 3: A horse that repeatedly cribs (crib-biting) is displaying a behavior classified as:
- A natural foraging behavior
- A stereotypy or stable vice (Correct answer)
- A sign of dental pain only
- Normal social grooming behavior
Correct answer: A stereotypy or stable vice
Cribbing is a stereotypy—a repetitive behavior often linked to stress, boredom, or management conditions.
Question 4: Which area of a horse's body is considered a blind spot?
- Directly in front of the nose
- Along the left flank
- Directly behind the hindquarters (Correct answer)
- Above the withers
Correct answer: Directly behind the hindquarters
Horses cannot see directly behind their hindquarters, making that zone particularly dangerous for handlers.
Question 5: A horse that constantly weaves side-to-side in its stall is most likely experiencing:
- Excitement before a ride
- Boredom or stress from confinement (Correct answer)
- A neurological disorder only
- Normal pre-feeding anticipation
Correct answer: Boredom or stress from confinement
Weaving is a stereotypy associated with inadequate social contact, exercise, or environmental enrichment.
Question 6: When catching a difficult-to-catch horse in a pasture, the recommended technique is to:
- Chase the horse until it tires
- Walk toward the horse's shoulder at an angle, avoiding direct eye contact (Correct answer)
- Approach directly from the front waving the lead rope
- Send another horse out to push it toward you
Correct answer: Walk toward the horse's shoulder at an angle, avoiding direct eye contact
Approaching at an angle to the shoulder with relaxed posture is less threatening and more effective.
Question 7: A horse displaying an erect, flagging tail while trotting with high head carriage is most likely:
- In pain and showing distress
- Alert, excited, or showing off (Correct answer)
- Displaying submission to the handler
- About to lie down and roll
Correct answer: Alert, excited, or showing off
A flagged tail combined with high head carriage and animated gait signals excitement or heightened alertness.
CHA Horse Behavior & Handling 2
A horse pinning its ears flat back against its head most likely indicates: