Equitation science (paperback)

Full of new concepts and ideas about riding and training, many of them extremely thought provoking. This is the first piece of literature that I have seen which critically examines the science behind natural horsemanship ideas and suggests more ethologically sound ideas for training horses. Julie Christie, Program Director of Equine Science, Rochester Community and Technical College, USA

"The authors are well qualified and experienced to offer such a much needed text." Nick Locke, University of Lincoln, UK

"McGreevy and McLean are at the frontier of something very special here. These authors combine a wealth of horse experience with scientific fact of how horses learn into an eye opening read that ought to excite any genuine horse person." Petra Buckley, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Equitation Science is a rapidly emerging discipline. The goal is to foster an enhanced understanding of how horses think and learn, and to use their natural behaviour to train, ride or compete with them in as fair a manner as possible. The welfare of the horse is a key consideration, along with improving rider safety.

The book combines traditional and emergent techniques, incorporating learning theory into an equine training system suitable for all levels. The welfare consequences of training and competing horses under different protocols are explored.

This book is the first to draw together the principles of equitation science into a much-needed textbook and reference.

1. Introduction.

2. Ethology.

3. Perception and Memory? How Horses Relate to Their Environment.

4. Cognition.

5. Learning Theory.

6. Innate Interactive Potentials.

7. Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.

8. Training Principles.

9. Making Horses Safe and Calm In-Hand.

10. Stable Management and its Effect on Reactivity.

11. Riding Using the Principles of Best Practice.

12. Influences on Training Outcomes.

13. The Psychology of Riding and Competing.

14. Conflict and its Resolution.

15. Implications for Welfare and Future Research.

Glossary