Equine behavior: behavior test, preliminary test 1 (Fall 2010, indoor) (incomplete), Sassafras, mustang yearling female

Test conducted by Dr. Sarah L. Ralston at the George H. Cook Campus, Rutgers University, as part of the Young Horse Teaching & Research Program of the Equine Science Center, Rutgers University. One of a series of tests comparing behavior responses of mustangs fed a high starch diet versus behavior responses of mustangs fed a low starch diet. In the preliminary test, all the mustangs were on the same diet consisting of only forage (total mixed ration cubes). The subject was RU Sassafras. Duration of test: 3 min 14 sec. Overall Average score on a scale of 1-5 (5 is highest compliance): 4.4. The test is incomplete. Sassafras is allowed to investigate the barn cat. Sassafras is a good example of a hesitant but willing horse.Test components, with score ranked 1-5 (5 is highest compliance): Capture and lead (5) -- Halt (5) -- Stand still (5) -- Touch face and ears (4) -- Rub torso (5) -- Lift front legs, left then right (5) -- Lift hind legs, left then right (5). Turn left, Turn right, and Lead from right side components were not tested.One of a series of tests conducted on draft horse crosses and U.S. Bureau of Land Management mustangs