Can you recognise pain-related behaviours in horses – before they escalate?
Many owners, riders, and professionals can identify a clear lameness, yet research shows the subtler signs of pain and discomfort are often missed. Horses naturally mask pain, so painful conditions frequently appear as behaviour problems – tension, reluctance, reactivity – that get misinterpreted as naughtiness, disobedience, or a training issue. Misreading these signals delays appropriate care, risks inappropriate handling, and can compromise welfare, performance, and safety.
In this webinar, equine behaviourist Justine Harrison translates current research into practical observation skills so you can identify the less obvious behavioural signs of pain. You’ll learn why behavioural change is often the earliest indicator of an underlying health problem, how context and individual differences matter, and what to watch for at rest, in-hand, and under saddle. Justine shares a welfare-centred approach to assessing pain, with practical tips that support prompt treatment, safer handling, reduced costs, and – most importantly – a healthier horse. You’ll leave more confident at recognising the early, subtle signs of pain, so you can intervene sooner – reducing the risk that short-term discomfort becomes a more complex, long-term issue.
Justine looked at:
After the presentation, Justine answered questions from the audience.
This webinar is aimed at horse owners, trainers, students, and equine professionals.
Once enrolled, you have 60 days to watch this recording.
On-demand webinar
Learn the fundamentals of horse behaviour consulting and what it takes to work effectively helping others solve equine behaviour problems.
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Advance your ability to assess, interpret and solve real world horse behaviour challenges with personalised mentoring and expert feedback.
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Find out how to improve a horse’s wellbeing when stabled or on box rest by understanding their behavioural needs and learning practical ways to reduce stress and enrich their environment.
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Develop the ability to read and interpret your horse’s body language, helping you to spot stress, fear, pain or relaxation before it affects performance.
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Learn to recognise and interpret subtle and obvious signs of pain so you can improve your horse’s welfare and make better clinical or handling decisions.
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