A historic focus of equine research has been on the time that equids are actively trained, exercised, or handled by humans. Furthermore, research focusing on equine management has mostly been restricted to veterinary interventions aimed at promoting physical health and well-being. In comparison, the time when horses, donkeys, and mules are resting, grazing, stabled, or otherwise out of direct human contact has received little attention. A gap exists in our knowledge about the telos of equidae during the time they are not in direct contact with humans. This is despite the way in which this time contributes towards their welfare, health, and behavioral development
