Tash D’ski - EquiMinds Academy

29/05/2024

Australian pony club are nailing it!

UNDERSTANDING THE MENTAL ABILITIES OF HORSES | Horses are very similar to humans in many different aspects of their brain and behaviour. We are both social species, we like to play and we both have excellent memories.

But in order to truly understand the horse, you must get to know the difference between a human’s and horse’s mental abilities.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲

When compared to other animals, humans aren’t very fast or strong, so we evolved to use tools and think out ways to solve our problems. We needed significant reasoning abilities to feed ourselves and avoid being eaten by other animals. So we evolved an enlarged area of the prefrontal cortex, and this is where our imagination lies. We can imagine different scenarios, we can reflect. We can think ahead and plan to do things in the future.

Horses, however, did not evolve in the same way as humans so we cannot expect them to have the same mental abilities. We cannot blame them for things that they have done in the past or expect them to plan for the future.

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀

Studies of the horse’s brain tell us that his immediate short-term memory regarding choices that he has made to solve particular problems is accurate for about three seconds, then diminishes. This is the reason why all animals (and humans) require many repetitions in order to learn. It is also why positive punishment is rarely if ever effective, as it is usually applied too long after the behaviour has occurred (remember, positive means ‘adding’ something).

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Horses, like humans, can become optimistic or pessimistic as to the outcome of a certain event. When a horse is always successful (that is, the behaviour used to elicit behaviours goes away every time he performs the behaviour) because the training is clear and consistent, they become optimistic.

However, if the pressure doesn’t go away reliably or the training system relies heavily on punishment, they can become pessimistic. They learn not to try and solve problems any more and become apathetic or give up. If this apathy continues the horse can enter a state of learned helplessness. The horse stops trying to find ways to solve problems and can become dull and almost robotic. It is extremely important not to confuse this state of learned helplessness with being ‘quiet’ or ‘bombproof.’

⭐ This information comes from PCA’s B-Certificate Manual for members.

09/05/2024

Lovely change of scenery working over county lines in Wiltshire this afternoon ☀️😊

28/04/2024

This has been a very hard decision but we are tentatively looking to find our lovely boy indie a new 🏡. As much as we adore him he is currently being wasted due to lack of time 😢. He would make an absolutely wonderful partner for someone. He has done lots of liberty work as well as having lovely groundwork and ridden training. He was backed by me and then ridden by my other half (a novice)- walk, trot and small amount of canter, hacking and in school. I am currently bringing him back into work after about year or so off due to lack of time. Would suit a confident rider as he is still a bit green in terms of experience in new places. Would love him to go to a client or natural horsemanship home! If you’d like to know more please PM me 🙂. 5🥕🥕🥕 ovno, tack not included

23/03/2024

Ready for a weekend of learning at a ‘gait assessment and exercise programming’ 2 day workshop 🤓

19/03/2024

Very relevant for this time of year!

My name is Dr Rosemary Waring. I have spent my career as a toxicologist. I have a particular interest in digestion and the chemicals produced by the gut mic ...

03/03/2024

🤩 New Client Call 🤩

With longer and lighter days imminent and my little one starting nursery I am Opening up my diary to take on a few more clients 🤠
Whether you are looking to build an unbreakable partnership with your horse, improve your communication and relationship or are struggling with behavioural issues, my approach will be tailored to your unique circumstances :)
Sessions £35hr members, £40hr non-members
please get in touch to register your interest 🤠

09/01/2024

Good morning all 🤩

As you all know I rarely put my prices up, but due to the current climate (both economical and meteorological) I will be increasing my prices effective 1st February 2024. Equi-minds academy members will remain at the current price ☺️ so if you haven’t joined already head over to
http://www.2dskihorsemanship.com/equi-minds-academy.html

On top of your session discount you will be able to access training videos, a monthly webinar, private Facebook group and ongoing support 🐎

I’d like to thank you all for your ongoing support and look forward to what we can achieve in this new year ☺️❤️

31/12/2023

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 🥳🥳 May 2024 bring you and your horses health and happiness 🥂

29/12/2023

Relationship before the goal, always! 🐎❤️

24/12/2023

Wishing all my clients a very merry Christmas!! Lots of love from my herd to yours!! ❤️🎄🎅❤️

23/12/2023

20/12/2023

‼️ Last Minute Christmas Shoppers ‼️

If you are still looking for a great gift
For your horsey friends or family look
No further!! Why not treat them to one of our vouchers 🎅

🎄 1 hour lesson. £35
🎄 1 month online subscription £10
🎄 3 month online subscription £30
🎄 6 month online subscription £60

To purchase please email [email protected]

Vouchers will be sent as a printable e-voucher 🐴

16/12/2023

Happy Sunday friends!!
I need your help! I am rebranding my online learning portal and need a new name for it!
I have a few ideas below, please comment with the appropriate emoji to vote. Or feel free to comment other ideas or variations! 😊

Horse harmony academy ❤️
Equiminds academy 👍🏻
Horse sense hub 😊
Horsewise mastery hub 🤩

Thankyou!
Photo for attention ❤️

12/12/2023

Don’t let winter get you down! 🐎

🌟 improve your skills and knowledge with my online learning platform. 🎥 Access exclusive training videos, join my monthly webinar, and be part of our supportive Facebook group. 🤝 Experience the real deal with raw lesson footage where available! 🏇 Elevate your horsemanship skills from the comfort of your home and support your trainer through the wet, windy and wild months 😉Join today for just £10 a month 🚀

http://www.2dskihorsemanship.com/join-now.html

12/12/2023

🐎 Don’t let winter get you down! 🐎

🌟 improve your skills and knowledge with my online learning platform. 🎥 Access exclusive training videos, join my monthly webinar, and be part of our supportive Facebook group. 🤝 Experience the real deal with raw lesson footage where available! 🏇 Elevate your horsemanship skills from the comfort of your home and support your trainer through the wet, windy and wild months 😉Join today for just £10 a month 🚀

http://www.2dskihorsemanship.com/join-now.html

11/12/2023

❤️ love my little herd ❤️

10/12/2023

Family day out at Marwell zoo glow up ❤️

08/12/2023

Everything you could want in a book
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

07/12/2023

The best kept secret in horsemanship
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

07/12/2023

Hi all :), for those who have already purchased my new book, if you could spare a Moment to leave a review on Amazon it would be greatly appreciated ☺️
If you’re still looking to buy a copy it is available here 🙏🏻:) :

This book is an insightful guide that explores the profound connection between humans and horses. The book delves into the art of being fully present in the moment, both for oneself and one's equine companions, emphasizing respect, compassion, and conscious communication. Learn how mastering our ...

04/12/2023

⭐️⭐️ Winners ⭐️⭐️

Congratulations Jacqueline Godwin and Sophie lozahic!! The lucky winners of the book release competition!! Please PM me your contact details and addresses so I can send your prize! 🥳 📖🐴

Thank you all for participating and Don’t forget the book is now available on Amazon for purchase! 🤩

03/12/2023

⭐️⭐️ Book Release ⭐️⭐️

Dive into the pages of my new book, where mindful horsemanship becomes a sanctuary for self-discovery and emotional well-being. A safe space to confront mental health challenges, master emotional regulation, and conquer fears, all while developing into a compassionate and skilled horseman. This unique blend of equine wisdom and personal growth offers readers a powerful toolkit for not only improving horsemanship but also fostering resilience and balance in their lives.

Find it on Amazon now at the limited time ‘secret Santa’ price of £9.99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stable-minds-steady-hearts-horsemanship/dp/B0CP929RWJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=162I0POXVIUK1&keywords=stable+minds+steady+hearts&qid=1701616025&sprefix=%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

Passionate about fair training for the horse. We focus on teaching not forcing �. Available for le

01/12/2023

⭐️⭐️ Today’s the day!! ⭐️⭐️

My book is now available on amazon as a paper back or kindle edition! 🤩
Why not check it out and take advantage of the limited time price ☺️

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CP84ZHXS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=89D4IUKVCVME&keywords=stable+minds+steady+hearts&qid=1701424588&sprefix=stable+minds+steady+hearts%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

05/07/2022

Get your places booked 😃

02/07/2022

🌟 Exciting news 🌟
We have some upcoming clinics!!!
Check out our website to book your spot 😃

10/06/2022

👇🏻

The Dangers of Over-Simplification

Trauma in humans and animals is complicated . It really upsets me to see people over simplify it . I have seen this twice already just this morning through the worshipping of the quick fix . Trauma impacts an individual in a myriad of ways including sometimes lasting changes to behaviour, neurobiology , psychology and endocrinology . Whilst a lot can be improved the danger oversimplication for all species is real . We can’t magic this away . Individuals with trauma need opportunities to have repetitions of safe experiences and to have their needs met from the place they are in . We also need to recognise that animals may process trauma through different modalities that are less obvious to us . That is not to say though trauma defines a person or animal because of course it doesn’t . We also don’t need to make animal and human trauma the same for it to matter . It is not enough to simply train, click, pressure and relief or CBT your way out the other side there is so much more nuance here.

Alexander, K. S., Nalloor, R., Bunting, K. M., & Vazdarjanova, A. (2020). Investigating Individual Pre-trauma Susceptibility to a PTSD-Like Phenotype in Animals. Frontiers in systems neuroscience, 13, 85.

Bradshaw, G. A., Schore, A. N., Brown, J. L., Poole, J. H., & Moss, C. J. (2005). Elephant breakdown. Nature, 433(7028), 807-807.

Bradshaw, G. A., Capaldo, T., Lindner, L., & Grow, G. (2008). Building an inner sanctuary: complex PTSD in chimpanzees. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 9(1), 9-34.

McMillan, F. D., Duffy, D. L., Zawistowski, S. L., & Serpell, J. A. (2015). Behavioral and psychological characteristics of canine victims of abuse. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 18(1), 92-111.
Chicago

McMillan, F. D., Duffy, D. L., & Serpell, J. A. (2011). Mental health of dogs formerly used as ‘breeding stock’in commercial breeding establishments. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 135(1-2), 86-94.

Perry, B. D. (2008). Child maltreatment: A neurodevelopmental perspective on the role of trauma and neglect in psychpathology.

Van der Kolk, B. A., Roth, S., Pelcovitz, D., Sunday, S., & Spinazzola, J. (2005). Disorders of extreme stress: The empirical foundation of a complex adaptation to trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress: Official Publication of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, 18(5), 389-399.I