Explaining the Autonomic Nervous System in Horses How the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems Shape Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare. Horses, as prey animals, have an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is exquisitely tuned for survival. The ANS has two major branches: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)  — mobilises the horse for action. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS ) — restores calm, digestion, and recovery. These systems are always active, but one tends to domina

PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY by Irene Perrett Perceptions of safety are important to all of us. Notice the word perceptions. Not only do we need...

By Kate Thornton Annie was upset. She was so confused. Where was her Mother? Why had she been put in a taxi, on her own, and where on EARTH was she going to? No one had told her! As she wept, she could just about see the eyes of the driver in the rear-view mirror through her tears. He was frowning. She could tell he had no patience with her. In the end he piped up “ For goodness’s sake child, STOP with the sobbing!” But….what’s going on? The taxi was uncomfortable. Annie h