Outback Equines

15/09/2024

“Your horse must stand quiet as a mouse, robotically, no fuss, no pawing. They should do so for as long as you need them to, no hay. They should just stand.”

Why?

Why should they do this for us with no incentive other than learning that resistance is futile?

Why should the horse be put into a position that goes entirely against what is normal for their behaviour?

Standing still for extended periods of time is not normal for a flight animal, ESPECIALLY when stressed.

ESPECIALLY without any forage to eat.

Why have we normalized teaching horses things in a way that requires major deviation from normal horse behaviour but 0 inconvenience from the human?

Why is it the horse’s job to respond perfectly in environments that fail to serve their basic needs when the humans are not willing to put in any extra work to make the horse feel more comfortable?

Why is the horse punished for inability to do so when humans fail to set them up for success & effectively throw them into the deep end with no life jacket?

Tying is one of the most common behaviours horses learn.

They do need to know how to tie or stand ground tied — no argument there.

BUT — humans must understand how big of an ask it is for a flight animal to be forcibly immobilized & expected to not panic or break free when scared.

We should be mindful of how hard of a behaviour it is for the horse to remain fully immobile — no dancing or pawing or pulling back — for as long as we want them to, with no food or anything to keep them busy.

The extent to which a trainer is willing to try to convenience the horse speaks volumes about whether horse training to them is ego driven or actually horse centred.

It takes very little to be considerate of the needs, comforts & discomforts of the horse.

Give your horse some hay while they’re learning to tie & watch how quickly their anxiety will dissolve.

There is no excuse for tying scared horses & watching them fight and pull back until they shut down.

It’s archaic, selfish & cruel.

It is lazy training.

Be cautious of trainers who normalize this in their program.

If they can’t teach the most basic of behaviours without terrifying the horse — something is up.

15/09/2024

15/09/2024

Our eighth release of the Positive Reinforcement Myth Busting Series - "The clicker holds the power".

Welcome to our Positive Reinforcement Myth Busting Series, where we delve deep into the world of animal training to debunk common misconceptions and shed light on the power of positive reinforcement. In this series, we'll explore the science behind positive reinforcement training methods, dispelling myths that may hinder its effectiveness or understanding.

15/09/2024

“My horse loves his new bit.”

If this is true, then why must he wear a flash to keep his mouth closed around it?

Surely he would be happy, quiet and accepting in the mouth due to his love for it and the comfort it provides for him.

“My horse loves his stall.”

If this is true, why must the door remain closed for the 23 hours a day he remains in it?

Surely he would not leave the location he loves so much, even if given the choice.

“My horse loves being ridden.”

If this is true, why must he be restrained during girthing, to avoid him snaking and biting at the rider as they tighten the saddle to his back?

Surely he would happily stand still, anticipating his “favourite” activity.

“My horse loves showing.”

If this is true, why must he be lunged so hard to mask the stress behaviours that threaten to explode into existence? Why must he be given every calming supplement known to man to help him cope?

Surely he would happily relax into the environment he so loves and perform and “show off” to the adoring fans that his rider claims he tries to impress.

If the horse so loves the activities that his rider claims he does, why must so much force be applied to keep him compliant and involved in an environment that he supposedly loves to be within?

Can it really be called love if alternative choice is never allowed?

14/09/2024

The shenanigans of our crew 😍🤩❤️

14/09/2024

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 🐴 Understanding rein contact is crucial for ensuring our horses' well-being. Rein contact refers to the pressure applied to the reins by the rider to maintain steady communication with the horse. It is essential for higher-level dressage and jumping, offering the rider a fine degree of control and serving as one of the first steps toward collection.

Contact should be light and elastic, moving with the horse and applying just enough pressure to prevent the reins from sagging.

At Pony Club, we emphasise pressure-release training, teaching our members why heavy contact or unrelenting pressure is detrimental to both the horse's welfare and training.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗨𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲
Heavy rein contact can be a sign that the horse is in a state of flight response, indicating that if you were to release the reins, the horse might try to run away. Constant heavy contact will make the horse less responsive to the stopping aids, and is bad for his welfare. Consequences include:

▪️ 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻: Prolonged pressure on the sensitive areas of the horse’s mouth can lead to bruising, sores, and chronic pain. Over time, this can cause the horse to become resistant or fearful of the bit, creating a negative association with being ridden.

▪️ 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀: Unrelenting pressure can lead to a range of behavioural problems, including head tossing, bit evasion, and bucking. These are often signs that the horse is trying to escape the discomfort and communicate its distress.

▪️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: If the horse cannot find relief from the pressure, it may eventually give up trying to respond to the reins altogether, entering a state of learned helplessness. This condition results in a horse that appears unresponsive, but in reality, it has simply become disengaged due to consistent discomfort.

▪️ 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Heavy rein contact restricts the natural movement of the horse’s head and neck, which are crucial for balance. This can lead to stiff, unnatural gaits, increased tension throughout the horse's body, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues.

Ultimately, these issues compromise the welfare of the horse, highlighting the importance of maintaining light, clear, and consistent rein aids to promote a positive, stress-free riding experience. By understanding the principles of rein contact and the consequences of unrelenting pressure, we can ensure our horses remain happy, healthy, and responsive partners.

14/09/2024

View our latest infographic, "Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time: Part 2." Learn about human behaviour change and equine welfare, summarised for easy understanding.

Members can access the infographic, an exclusive quiz, NZ conference recordings, and more in the "Content" section.

Also, don't miss our new "Meet the Author" series! Join us for a Q&A with researchers like Dr. Gemma Pearson—details coming soon!

14/09/2024

13/09/2024

When Bella Touzel encountered contact issues with her pony Buster, it led her to transitioning him to a bitless bridle. Now, with the support of Pony Club Australia, she is continuing the bitless journey.

13/09/2024

Larrykin 🤩😍 is definitely one of the most experienced therapists at AIA, and is not only polite and kind with our clients, but also reliable and punctual for work each shift....here he is laying down on the job.....I mean in his job 🤭😉

Isn't he just stunning?!

30/08/2024

30/08/2024

That’s just 2 out of 5 people—and that’s far from reassuring. Think about your own barn—only two people might genuinely understand their horse. Are you one of them?

Now, consider the scale. From casual riders to Olympic champions, this statistic is terrifying. Imagine: out of 10 Olympic riders, only 4 truly grasp the full spectrum of equine behavior. The industry’s need for more focus on welfare becomes undeniable.

But let’s focus on you.

It’s time to drop the pretense. Get off our high or small horses, and really look them in the face—both figuratively and literally.

Being a skilled rider doesn’t cut it anymore.

We’ve been entrusted with the care of these incredible creatures. The least we can do is learn to read them. Don’t you agree?

Let’s rewrite the narrative. Let’s challenge the stats and show that we can do better—for ourselves and our horses.

Did you know horses have 17 distinct facial expressions and over 90 documented behaviors? Every single one is a form of communication, a language. Imagine if you could truly speak it—how it would transform your relationship with your horse, and even reshape your perspective on the world.

Understanding horses is a win-win for everyone, whether you have a pasture pony or competing at the highest level.

Get your spot at “Confident Connection: Mastering Horse Behavior” now and turn the ships and tables and stables around.

26/08/2024

Join us for our upcoming BYO Horse Trail & Cattle Muster on August 30 - September 1 🤠

Explore over 9000 acres of the historic Glenelg Station while being wined and dined by us.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to cattle mustering, it's a great opportunity to participate.

For more information, visit the link in our bio or contact Amanda on 0427 005 487 / [email protected]

26/08/2024

26/08/2024

This is an oldie but a goodie….

It’s been a busy week and I have been “mind FULL” so over the weekend I will be taking some direction from the horses and practice coming back to being “mindful”.

When with the horses I find standing & placing a hand on their shoulder & stroking them begins to calm the nervous system. Noticing my breathe as I do so.

Noticing the fur with every stroke, the warmth, the power they hold within.

I then turn and often they will CHOOSE to exchange breathe with mine. THIS is the most calming strategy I have. I feel connected with them, their breathe flows deep into my being & I am home 🐴💜

With each breath, the stress fades away🐴💜

When in the presence of these beautiful beings becoming mindful can be effortless.

Take time out today to notice how you can become present and mindful 🐴💖

🌟love what you do;do what you love🌟

20/08/2024

The horses hold the key to your true identity. They whisper reminders of your integrity, nudging you back on course when you stray. Look inward, they urge, when your focus strays outward. Only those who listen will be led home by their silent guidance.

Embarking on a soul led journey with horses is a daring decision in today's horse world. It requires sacrifice and resilience in the face of criticism. There will be moments of doubt, of wavering desires, of straying from the true path... But whenever I lose my way, the horses are there to lead me back. They are my unwavering moral compass, guiding me on my journey back home.

24/07/2024

Yes!!!

Some further context on the Charlotte Dujardin situation to further illustrate power dynamics and why people wait to report.

Quoted from The Guardian:

“One of Team GB’s biggest stars, Charlotte Dujardin, has been banned from the Paris Olympics over allegations that she whipped a horse “24 times … like an elephant in a circus”.

[Charlotte] has been suspended after a video emerged of the incident that occurred when she conducted a coaching session to a young rider in a private stable several years ago.

The Dutch lawyer Stephan Wensing is representing the 19-year-old who filed the official complaint against Dujardin.”

I’m sure you can all do math but if the person who filed the complaint is 19 years old, it means they were 15 at the time of the incident.

FIFTEEN.

A minor.

Please go and look at how many people are deflecting from what Dujardin is accused of on the basis that it’s vindictive and not about welfare to wait 4 years to report.

The person who reported was a CHILD during the incident.

A child within the presence of an Olympian who was likely their idol.

Now, horse industry, please pause for a moment and reflect on how quick our industry is to victim blame and try to deflect accountability away from powerful and well known top riders.

At the expense of minors, oftentimes.

If they are 19 now at the time of reporting, it means they have only been a legal adult for a year. With far less life experience than Dujardin, who was 35 years old when this all would’ve happened.

A whole 20 years older than the FIFTEEN YEAR OLD who witnessed and documented this.

Every single person who went to blame the person who reported while entirely ignoring or glossing over Charlotte’s behaviour has contributed to the type of mentality that makes people less likely to report.

They often aren’t taken seriously when they report right away, are exposed to heavy criticism and risk losing a lot of what they’ve worked to earn.

But, if they wait, people discredit them as well.

We protect abusers by fixating on the victims and why they might hesitate to report.

If a 15 year old is expected to have the foresight to report an incident relating to one of the most highly regarded dressage riders in the world and do so without fear of repercussion, we certainly should be holding the mid-to-late-thirties Olympian, who was a role model and teacher in that moment, to a higher standard.

This is why people hesitate to report.

Our industry is toxic and has a lot of dynamics at play that silence those who speak out against abuse of all types.

It doesn’t stop at just horses, I watched this same thing happen with Rich Fellers years ago and people still attacked the minor-aged victim despite the fact that Fellers was a sexual predator.