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Behaviour in large animals

Behavioural Consultation - horses, donkeys and their hybrids

Does your horse, donkey, mule or hinny display behaviour that causes concern, creates problems in its environment, or affects its welfare? Are you struggling to manage fear, aggression, or other problematic responses? Or do you have questions about behaviours that are difficult to interpret?

Our team offers specialised behavioural consultations for horses, donkeys, and their hybrids, carried out on-site at your home or stable.

We apply a science-based and respectful approach, tailored to the animal, its environment, and the caregiver’s capacities. Our goal is to improve welfare through prevention, education, and close collaboration with all parties involved.

These consultations are based on a close collaboration between Prof. Dr. Machteld Van Dierendonck (clinical ethologist, expert in equine behaviour and welfare, PhD in clinical ethology, founder and honorary member of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), and associate member of the EBVS® European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine – research group Ethology and Animal Welfare, led by Prof. Christel Moons), and Prof. Dr. Anouck Haverbeke (veterinarian, PhD in ethology, and EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine).

Practical Information and Preparation

To schedule a behavioural consultation for your horse, please contact us via email at gedragsdiergeneeskunde@ugent.be.
The required documents, including the questionnaire, a stable layout, and video instructions, can be found at the bottom of this page. Please ensure these are submitted by email at least one week before your scheduled consultation. Videos may be uploaded and sent via www.wetransfer.com. Appointments will be rescheduled if the documents are not received on time.

What does the consultation involve?

An initial behavioural consultation lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Based on an intake interview, previously submitted information (such as a questionnaire and any video material), and on-site observations, we build a detailed picture of your horse’s behaviour.
During the consultation, we discuss our findings with you and offer insights into the possible underlying causes of the problematic behaviour. Afterwards, you will receive a written report with advice and an individual treatment and/or guidance plan, tailored to your horse, its environment, and the caregiver’s capacities.

The cost of an initial consultation is € 320 (incl. VAT), excluding travel costs. Follow-up consultations last 45 minutes and cost € 130 (incl. VAT), also excluding travel costs.

Consultations take place at your own stable. If you are unsure whether your location falls within our working area, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance. Appointments are scheduled in consultation, depending on the situation and location.

We kindly ask that all individuals who regularly interact with your horse be present during the consultation. This helps us gain a complete and nuanced understanding of the situation.

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