Case Study: Bilbo – Aggression and Escape Behaviours in a Horse

Abstract

A case study of how past trauma and inadequate current environment can interact to create and maintain problematic behaviors. Bilbo, a young mare with a significant history of aggression and causing injury is sold with the advice that she be euthanized for her behavior. Six weeks later, her new owner called Certified Horse Behavior Consultant Abigail Allen for a consultation, because she is no longer able to be handled at her owner’s facility. Through providing outlets for foraging, opportunities to learn with target training, a proper diet, and the right kind of environmental enrichment, Abigail and her client were able to help Bilbo become more relaxed and significantly less aggressive.