Editor’s note: This article is part of TheHorse.com’s ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 International Society of Equitation Science conference, held July 18-20 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Over the past few years interest has grown in how behavior studies, and "learning theory" improve our understanding of how to train riding horses. But now this research is also finding successfully application in the United Kingdom in welfare cases.

Native feral and semiferal breeds in certain parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland frequently become victims of abuse or neglect, according to Nicolas de Brauwere, MRCVS, senior welfare veterinarian at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Hapton, Norfolk, England, which currently manages 1,265 equids plus hundreds more in foster care.

While some of the victims have no owners at all, most are bred by local populations who then abandon the animals–sometimes in herds of 50 or more. The care of these unhandled, poorly managed horses and ponies often falls into the hands of private sanctuaries, which sometimes puts both the animals and handlers at risk of injury, de Brauwere said