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30/12/2024
🌟Science, Empathy, and Rethinking Horse Training – with Dr. Andrew McLean 🌟
(Episode in English)
In this episode of "A Talk About Horse Training", I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Andrew McLean, a world-renowned expert in equitation science and animal behavior. His Curriculum is very long, but contains, among other things, PhD, CEO, Equitation Science International - ESI, Honorary Fellow & Trustee- International Society for Equitation Science (ISES).
This episode dives into some very interesting topics in modern horse training. 🐎✨
💡 Key Topics We Discussed:
🔬 The Role of Science in Horse Training: Andrew shares his journey from traditional methods to an even more scientific approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding how learning theory shapes our interactions with horses, and that we need to understand the horse, not just how it learns.
🧠 Critical Thinking in the Horse World: Why do we often resist change and feel defensive when questioned about long-standing practices? Andrew and I discuss the need for curiosity, questioning traditions, and encouraging a more evidence-based mindset in the horse community.
❤️ Empathy and Welfare: We explore the psychological and emotional impact of training on horses, highlighting the importance of understanding stress and arousal levels. Andrew emphasizes that horses aren’t machines – they’re individuals with unique needs and responses.
🌱 Rethinking Traditional Tools: From bits and nosebands to spurs, we discuss the harmful effects of outdated equipment and why it’s time to shift towards more horse-centered practices.
🌍 Selective Breeding and Its Impact: What are the challenges of breeding for traits like hyper-reactivity? We unpack the unintended consequences on horse health and welfare, and how this shapes the future of equestrian sports.
📊 Measuring Stress and Ensuring Welfare: Andrew explains how tools like heart rate monitors and rain tension meters can provide valuable insights into a horse’s well-being, helping us create better training environments and prevent cruelty.
This is an incredibly rich conversation, filled with insights and practical ideas for anyone passionate about horses and their welfare. Andrew’s knowledge and experience offer a refreshing and hopeful perspective on how we can create a better future for equitation and animal welfare.
🎧 Listen to the episode here, or where ever you get your podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jMdtsc3a9mbKlRnd2onTo?si=c16e2c1ba51b4454
💛 If you’re passionate about horses and their well-being, you can learn more with Andrew McLean if you follow his place Equitation Science International - ESI or you can find "The Diploma of Equitation Science" right here:
https://esi-education.com/courses/diploma/
If you liked what you heard, please please share this episode – let’s spark a conversation about creating a more compassionate and scientifically grounded equestrian world!
If you are an english speaking listner, you can find more English episodes right here:
Social License to Operate with Senior Lecturer at Hartpury Lisa Asthon https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OGdU4kF1piP6HUZFrvO8g?si=e758434fb2114ed8
Calming signals with author Rachael Draaisma
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VRQJjIlBFIPnxes2m7OZ2?si=385347e1a1524706
Intention with Tilefield Equestrian - Amanda Barton
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XnyoHq6A45HsBnzuiWjUc?si=8E95kbY9Q3mIznEZzWXejg
