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.
Archived webinar recording
ON-DEMAND. A webinar recording of equine behaviourists Justine Harrison and Lauren Fraser discussing the business of horse behaviour consulting.
£25
ON-DEMAND. An archived webinar recording of Justine Harrison and Trudi Dempsey on the roles, methods and techniques of equine behaviour consultants and horse trainers.
£25
INSTRUCTOR-LED: 8 WEEKS. Equine behaviour consultant Justine Harrison will explore the job of assessing, managing and resolving horse behaviour problems via video lessons, online discussions and face-to-face live group meetings.
£650
ON-DEMAND. A webinar recording of equine behaviour consultant Justine Harrison on improving a horse's quality of life when stabled or on box rest.
£25
ON-DEMAND. Equine behaviourist Justine Harrison explores how horses communicate and how to recognise their body language using the most up-to-date research.
£39
ON-DEMAND. Equine behaviourist Justine Harrison explores different aspects of horse behaviour, the horse's behavioural needs, equine stress, why behaviour problems occur and how to avoid them.
£39
