ABSTRACT
Tension comes in all shapes and sizes in the life of a domesticated horse. This chapter explores two types of tension: acute stress and prolonged stress. Both types of tension commence the same way with the body preparing to jump into action. Generally, this happens as follows: the hypothalamus sends a signal through the pituitary gland to the adrenal glands telling them to secrete catecholamines, which include the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. Performing suitable physical exercises that the horse's body and mind can handle, stimulating the senses, and facing mental challenges is very important for stimulating a horse. The horse shows calming signals and displacement activities. The chapter expresses that rising tension does not need to be accompanied by a lot of physical activity. It presents an overview of the body posture and facial features of horses. Defecation and urination due to tension occur when the horse is actually feeling that tension.
