In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the concept of horse personalities, sparked by a listener's request and recent debates over anthropomorphism. Dr. Mortensen shares personal anecdotes, particularly about a horse named Brasco, to illustrate the intelligence and personality traits of horses.

Dr. Mortensen delves into the anthropomorphic critique, clarifying the importance of acknowledging animal cognition and emotions. The podcast further examines scientific studies and personality questionnaires that categorize horse personalities into different types, such as dominance, anxiousness, and sociability, highlighting breed differences and implications on welfare and management.

Dr. Mortensen emphasizes the complexity of horse personalities and their impact on veterinary care, advocating for respectful and informed horse management while providing resources for listeners to evaluate their horses' personalities.

00:00 Opening Gratitude and Introduction to Today's Theme

00:27 Exploring Horse Personalities: A Response to Criticism

04:58 Meet Dr. Chris Mortensen: An Equine Scientist's Perspective

05:02 The Science of Horse Personalities and Anthropomorphism

08:05 Understanding Animal Cognition and Sentience

14:40 Nature vs. Nurture: The Genetics and Environment of Horse Personalities

16:38 Breed Differences in Horses: Hot, Cold, and Warm Bloods

23:28 Diving into Horse Personality Types

26:58 Exploring Horse Personality Traits and Breed Characteristics

27:57 The Role of Genetics in Horse Behavior

28:28 Understanding Horse Anxiety and Excitability Across Breeds

29:22 Protection, Sociability, and Inquisitiveness in Horses

30:46 Addressing Anthropomorphism in Animal Behavior Studies

32:46 Diving Into the Equine Personality Questionnaire

42:58 Linking Horse Personalities to Pain Management and Veterinary Care

49:07 The Importance of Recognizing Individuality in Horses

50:35 Closing Remarks and Encouragement for Horse Lovers

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education.

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