Question

Factors that determine flight zone

Answer 1

The ‘flight zone’ is a concept used to describe a circle of space around an animal which, when entered, causes the animal to move away from you. The size of the flight zone will depend on the breed of animal and its previous experience. For example, hill cattle and sheep, which are not used to being handled, tend to have much larger flight zones than dairy animals which are handled daily. Non-domesticated animals such as bison and wild boar will tend to have much larger flight zones than their domesticated equivalents.

The actions of the handler can also affect the size of the flight zone: a noisy and aggressive handler will increase the size of the flight zone compared to a calm and confident handler who will be able to get much closer to an animal.



Diagram of flight zone

Knowledge of the flight zone helps when moving and controlling single animals or groups of animals. By positioning yourself on the boundary of the flight zone (position A), behind and to one side of the animal, the animal will not move. To move the animal forward, step into the flight zone (position B). To stop the animal moving forward step back out of the flight zone (position C).

If you enter the flight zone too far and get too close to the animal, it will start to move quickly in an attempt to get away. If the way ahead is free, the animal is likely to charge forward. However, if it is not, or if the route forward is not clear, the animal may turn and run towards you. If this happens you should step back out of the flight zone to stop the animal’s movement and give the animal time to settle.

An important aspect of the flight zone is the point of balance (position P). This is found to the side of the animal, just behind the animal’s shoulder. When you stand level with an animal at this point, the animal will neither move forward nor back. In the sale ring, if you position yourself at position A the animal should circle around you with little need for persuasion.