Animado Equine

30/11/2024

Right up there with my love of riding and training horses, is my love for training dogs, or any animal for that matter!
This post could be equally about dressage, or working equitation, or any other horse discipline. We need to remember that our enjoyment must not be at the cost of the animal's good health and freedom to express their natural behaviours.
We know good dressage is good for the body of a horse. We need to make sure their mind is enjoying it as well!
Please follow the link if it does not automatically come up. 😉
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DtZLUjG4a/

Send a message to learn more

29/11/2024

ESI are always a good resource.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15GnjPSd99/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Desensitisation techniques will not work if the basic reason for the horse's neophobia or other behaviour issue is to do with deficits in basic needs.

While many behaviour problems can be alleviated by desensitising the horse to the stimulus he finds offensive , it is very important to recognise that in many cases, horses express fearful behaviours to certain stimuli as symptoms of deeper problems in their mental security.

It is important to consider that a predisposition for fearful behaviour can be innate or it may be acquired through past fearful experiences of escape and avoidance learning.

The biggest considerations for the horse's mental security undoubtedly lies in satisfying their fundamental needs for socialisation, movement, agency and foraging, as well avoiding the potential for pain or confusion that can arise from the delivery of the cues and aids by the rider.

Poor socialisation in horses can lead to several behavioural problems that affect both their welfare and handling safety. When horses lack adequate social experiences, particularly during their developmental years, they often develop maladaptive behaviors.

Adapted from Modern Horse Training Volume 2 by Andrew N McLean
This exciting new publication is now available for purchase at our webshop - www.esi-education.com

04/11/2024

Did a thing today…
Golega, WE lesson with Gilberto Filipe, current European Champion. 🎉🎉🎉
Yep, that’s the horse he won with. 💕

31/10/2024

It’s a new world, so we need some new skills!

30/10/2024

I wonder if the bit or spurs would get through a gear check…? 🤔
(Madrid 💕)

25/10/2024

Just saw that Warwick Schiller had shared this post. So impressed that a high profile trainer & rider is so confidently sharing his progression in learning.
It’s all about the journey!
Please ditch the outdated dominance ideas in relation to training animals. It is an excuse to give in to our primitive instincts.

When we know better, we do better.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9HR7puCPoJuVTZEL/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Dominance theory was a terrible mistake, that even the scientist who cataloged it, regrets doing. The deep level of misunderstanding that happened based on inappropriate studies just spiraled out of control into a culturally accepted excuse to train and work with animals with force and punishment.

Dominance theory was the idea that animals, horses included, have a linear dominance and set roles within the herd. The idea that there is a set leader, a decision maker, who controls the other horses' behaviors through threats and the other horses love this horse as their leader. The idea that horses have a linear set hierarchy that determines who's in charge and only changes if overthrown by someone stronger. These deeply flawed ideas have lead people to believe that they can be the leader horse by mimicking equine behavior, they misunderstood, justifying their use of forceful physical control and punishment to train behavior. All under the idea of being a "good leader".

The thing is, science is constantly growing and self-correcting. As we spend more time actually studying horses in various scenarios and environments, and each species individually, their family units, their herds, packs, groups, etc... We have learned this concept of dominance is wildly inaccurate and deeply unhealthy, only seen in extreme, inappropriate environments (like old overpacked zoos with many unrelated animals, as the original studies were based on).

What's really going on then? What is Dominance really? Do we need to be dominant?

Horse herds really work in a much more fluid and dynamic manner, it's not a linear hierarchy. Horses make decisions based on need, if someone has a need, they satisfy that need, the other horses stay with them out of social bonds and safety in numbers. A secure, confident horse will be more likely to make decisions that lead away from the group, while insecure, nervous horses might be less likely to make decisions, sticking more closely to the center of the herd. This isn't leadership or dominance, just confidence, in themselves and their world. This changes constantly. A confident horse may be more clingy and insecure if they have a pain problem, if they're pregnant, or if they're sick. This dynamic is constantly flowing. Who makes the decision, is up to how much the individual wants something. Who stays or goes in the herd is based on social bonds, friendships, familial relationships, and resource needs.

What was frequently mistaken as "dominance" was actually determined roles of priority access to resources. If a resource is limited, the herd knows who has first access, usually the bully. This varies by resource, my sweet itch mare has priority access to the shelter, while she doesn't care about defending food resources. She may shove everyone out of her way for shelter from bugs, but someone else may shove her out of the way for food. A group of 2 might pair up to move off a single horse who would typically move either of them individually. This access to resources is determined with little squabbles, but usually is limited to just some body language threatening gestures. It would be unhealthy if the herd were to compromise each other in fights over resources, when they have the bigger threat of predators they need to remain safe for. We only see extreme linear resource guarding in domestic settings where resources are limited. If hay is fed in limited supply one horse may always get priority access. If there isn't enough shelter, one horse may not let the others in it. This isn't dominance, but resource guarding. This isn't leadership, but the opposite, a horse who is deeply insecure in their resources, in their safety, violently defending themselves. If one horse resource guards excessively, most of the other horses avoid them, ignore them, don't want to groom with them, and don't want to risk dealing with them. They're like a human child bully, so insecure in themselves they act out against everyone else to try to soothe their need.

Ethology has also shown that horses do not think humans are horses. Even if we mimic their body language, they do not equate us as horses. We don't have a place in their access to resources, because we aren't sharing their resources. We are their PROVIDERS. We are the ones giving them their resources, it's our job to understand herd dynamics and ensure our horses have adequate resources in appropriate ways so there is no need to fighting, insecurity, or herd stress. It's not our job to challenge our horses for access to the very resources we are giving them! We are their caretakers.

Dominance and access to resources has nothing to do with training, only knowing how to provide care and management without creating unhealthy or dangerous equine interactions.

Training should be done with a compassionate understanding of behavioral science and how to apply positive reinforcement. It has nothing to do with herd dynamics or dominance, or even strong leadership, but rather clear communication, compassionate care and gentle behavior training.

Additional resources
https://www.awla.org/uncategorized/alpha-dogs-dominance-theory-fact-or-fiction/

https://www.clickertraining.com/node/2297

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/dominance-when-an-outdated-theory-wont-go-away

https://news.asu.edu/20210805-discoveries-myth-alpha-dog

https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/horse-dominance-1-28/

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/dominance-leadership

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/debunking-the-alpha-dog-theory/

https://positively.com/dog-training/article/ethology-why-pack-theory-is-wrong

https://www.rover.com/blog/alpha-dog-meaning/?msockid=323ef8c5489068da23bbeaa549916988

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/dominance-when-an-outdated-theory-wont-go-away

21/10/2024

Why choose average when we can choose something better?
Look after yourself 💕

Here are some sobering statistics:

The average person is overweight.
The average person loses muscle as they age.
Most diets fail miserably.
It's considered 'normal' to be negative and unhappy.
The majority of marriages end in divorce (no shame in this, by the way; walking out of an unhappy relationship and ignoring the sunk cost fallacy is a brave thing to do).

I hope these statistics make you think: ‘f**k being average'.

In the last couple of years I have pushed myself to live life with a “f**k average” mindset.

It's about embracing the difficult choices that lead to extraordinary results and, by doing this, you accept and lean into the fact that life can be challenging at times.

It's harder to drag yourself out of bed and hit the gym than to hit the snooze button.

It's harder to resist that third slice of pizza when your taste buds are screaming for more.

It's harder to stand firm against peer pressure when drinking doesn't align with your goals.

It's harder to sit with your emotions and process them than to numb yourself with food.

It's harder to maintain composure during an argument than to lash out with words you'll later regret.

It's harder to pour energy into your business when all your mates clock off at 5pm and head to the pub.

But here's the crux of it: nothing truly rewarding happens without hard work. If you're content with mediocrity, by all means, take the easy route.

But if you don't want average results, you simply can't put in average effort.

You must embrace doing more than most, pushing beyond your comfort zone, and consistently choosing the path of growth over complacency.

And if you don’t want average results then embrace the fact that you can't do what the average person does. You must set higher standards for yourself and consistently meet them.

People are often demotivated or depressed by average statistics, especially those around ageing that paint a bleak picture of life deteriorating as you grow older.

I call bu****it on that narrative.

I want to remind you that you don't have to follow that trend.

You don't have to be average. In fact, being above average is actually quite achievable.

To stop being average with weight loss.

Stop waiting for the right time to lose weight (it never comes but even if it did you are then setting the precedent that you can never lose weight when life is busy).

Stop saying that you are too old to lose weight or get in the shape of your life.

Stop thinking that life goes downhill when you hit the menopause.

I say fck average, fck boring social norms, fck society's expectations and what you 'should' do.*

Ageing doesn't have to be a negative thing.

Life can get exponentially better as you age if you make the right choices now.

Want to beat the norm, get in the shape of your life, feel amazing and truly embody the 'f*ck average' mentality?

Join a group of women who are disproving social norms day in and day out.

https://fatloss-fundamentals.com/prioritylist

Doors open THIS FRIDAY.

P.S. You know who doesn't start in October because they're already winding down for the year?

Average people. Don't be one of them.

Start now, finish strong, and set yourself up for an extraordinary 2025. You’d be surprised how much change can take place in a few months.

Coach Phoebe

15/10/2024

Worried about falling off?
Feel insecure when you mount or dismount?
Anxious that you will be left behind if your horse spooks?

So, how good are your abs? A strong core makes a world of difference to our confidence as a rider!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/PAYd7D2QYQFywHXL/

13/09/2024

If you are serious about your competition scores and improving your riding, make sure you get to at least one day of this clinic. (Near Ballarat)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1PPBvB6SM6n497Bq/

International 5 star judge Isobel Wessels is returning to Wetterau, just three months after she will judge the best dressage riders in the world at the Paris Olympics!

After hosting Isobel at the beginning of 2024, we are delighted that she is returning for another four day clinic this November.

Top international competitor in her own right, Isobel has trained many horses to Grand Prix level and won 10 national titles in the UK. Judging and training all over the world we are very excited to welcome her expertise for a second time this year.

The four day clinic from the 9th to the 12th of November and those interested in riding or spectating can contact me via private message, or via the contact form on our website www.Warneyswhip.com.
Thanks Sarah

10/09/2024

This video is the last in a series of three, so you might like to find the earlier ones first... I will let you decide, but make sure you listen to this one at least. 🥰

02/09/2024

Hey, who would like to have a 10 day tour of Portugal, visiting Lusitano studs and having riding lessons with world champion riders and trainers?
There may be a spare ticket coming available for a tour Sophie and I are doing at the start of November.
Let me know if you are interested. 🎉

23/08/2024

You know you’re at Werribee when you see these…

03/08/2024

12 years on, and not much has changed. Just one generation... 😉
https://www.facebook.com/share/CNENV5UH7j194mC2/

What a story :-)
Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Scott Brash, and Peter Charles secured the equestrian team jumping gold medal for Team GB during the London 2012 Olympics.

FAST FORWARD 12 YEARS - Maher and Brash have once again achieved Olympic champion status in 2024, this time alongside Peter's son, Harry Charles. ❤️️

31/07/2024

Scoring dressage tests well is difficult and I don’t envy the judges in Paris…
Having said that, I just want to say well done to William Matthew for his lovely forward and flowing test. Just a shame the judges couldn’t find the ‘7’ button until the test was nearly over. 🙄😩
His extended walk & trot were unrewarded and, unlike some more famous riders, his horse did actually extend his stride and his neck!
Another case of not being famous enough? Or is his national flag the wrong colour? 🤷‍♀️

Vent over, for now 😝

23/07/2024

Come on FEI, let this be a genuine effort to improve the lives of performance horses.

Horse wellbeing must not be set aside by ignorance, ambition or commercial interests. Each one of us is a guardian with a duty to ensure A Good life for FEI ...

19/07/2024

I’m not a customer of this bank, but this is good info.

17/07/2024

The study I read suggested 20% was too heavy. 15% is better. Lower is better still!
Get fit riders 🎉👏🏻

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆?

At Pony Club, our horses participate in various activities, and it's essential to consider their well-being. As responsible owners, we need to be mindful of how much work is suitable for our horses. Researchers have studied the ideal weight-carrying capacity of horses to help us make informed decisions.

As outlined in Pony Club Australia's horse welfare policy, the combined weight of the rider and saddlery should not exceed 20% of the horse’s weight. For example, a 13.2hh pony weighing 400kg should not carry a rider weighing more than 80kg with gear.

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲'𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
If you're unsure of your horse's weight, you can estimate it using a tape measure and this horse weight calculator: https://bit.ly/3VZlPSm

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Once you know your horse's weight, you can calculate its maximum rider weight using this handy tool: https://bit.ly/4d3nVHG. Note that this tool assumes a well-balanced rider, a horse at their ideal weight, and a properly fitting saddle.

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
A horse that can easily carry weight usually has a well-muscled, short back and thick cannon bones. This horse will have a lower centre of gravity compared to a horse with long legs and a long, weak back. Always consider your horse's build and adjust their fitness plans accordingly.

𝘍𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 & 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
The fitness and balance of both horse and rider are crucial. An unfit or unbalanced horse will struggle to support the rider’s weight while maintaining its own balance. Similarly, an unfit rider—or one that is too tall for the horse or pony—can throw off the horse’s balance, leading to discomfort and potential injury. Ensuring both horse and rider are in good condition is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride.

𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 & 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬
Activities over rough terrain, for longer durations, and at increased speeds demand more effort from the horse. Only attempt such activities if both horse and rider are fit enough to handle the increased physical demands.

𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 & 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦
Always ensure your equipment meets the needs of the activity. A properly fitting saddle distributes the rider’s weight evenly without causing muscle soreness. Regular hoof care is also vital; hooves should be trimmed to provide a balanced, flat surface for weight-bearing. For horses that wear down their hooves quickly or have thin soles, consider using shoes or protective boots based on professional advice from a farrier or veterinarian.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲
Understanding your horse’s weight and the maximum weight it can carry ensures their welfare and promotes a long, healthy partnership. Always consider your horse’s physical condition, the demands of the activities you engage in, and the quality of your equipment to keep your horse happy and healthy.