How valuable are friends in Zebra and Horses?

I am Lisa Chahine, a postgraduate student from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. I've been around horses my whole life and since I was a little girl, I (like many horse owners) have noticed how my horses formed strong bonds with each other. Throughout my studies I learnt that the significance of relationships I noticed through my horses was supported by scientific research, and that they are significant for multiple reasons. As one example I learnt that relationships are more important to wild horses’ survival and foaling success than body condition.

The effect of different management on horse behavior has been heavily studied, but not particularly how (or if) the domestication process and selective breeding has changed their behavior from their truly wild, undomesticated relatives: the zebra. There also isn’t much research on how to best manage horses to enhance their performance and welfare through understanding their social bonds.

This led me to my proposed research project: focusing on zebra behavior and using them as a proxy to understand how selective breeding has influenced domestic horse behavior and the importance of their relationships.

Donations under $1000 can receive updates and results, donations $1000 and above will also be acknowledged by name in the published journal article and presentations.

If you wish to receive updates and results, or have any questions, please email me at lisachahine18@gmail.com

Join me for a world first study!