Sweet Auburn Coaching

26/07/2023

The horse is a social animal and social contact is essential for its welfare.

If a horse is stabled, it helps a lot to see other horses but, more importantly, touch and groom them as well.

The global consciousness of the importance of the social needs of horses is increasing.

From mounted police units to racing, very slowly people are beginning to realise that when horses can touch and groom each other, even across a stable wall, there are positive welfare and health benefits for the horse, and benefits for trainers because such horses are more mentally secure and more tractable.

If it simply is not possible to have another horse as a companion, then as a last resort even another species such as a sheep may possibly help, however, there are very strong limitations in cross-species housing because of species-specific aspects of the animal's evolved ethogram.

✨An excerpt from our latest textbook, 'Modern Horse Training: Equitation Science Principles & Practice, Volume 1'. You can purchase a copy here: https://esi-education.com/product/modern-horse-training-equitation-science-principles-practice-volume-1/

25/06/2023

Last week I submitted my feedback to the Consultation Paper for the appointment of industry directors to the Board of Horse Sport Ireland. Click on the link to read a summary of my submission and to find out how you can also make your own submission!

Last week I submitted feedback to the Horse Sport Ireland consultation regarding my thoughts on the new suggested process of appointing board members. I welcome the decision for the new board directors to be appointed through a new “open call process”, which will involve inviting individuals fro...

10/11/2022

Remember to release after every aid. Releasing aids as soon as the horse gives the desired response is extremely important.

First, the release tells the horse that he did what you wanted. This removal of pressure is what scientists call 'negative reinforcement', because pressure has been removed. It makes the horse more likely to respond next time you give an aid.

Second, the release gives the horse a chance to develop self-carriage (when he maintains tempo, speed and line). This has the added benefit of giving riders the chance to return to their own neutral position (eg, 'quiet' legs and hands).

Third, the release makes it easier for the horse to tell the difference between one aid and another. This improves rider communication and reduces horse confusion.



Note: This particular Training Tuesday tip is about releasing after every aid, which is called 'negative reinforcement'. From the earliest rider Certificate, Pony Club Australia encourages 'positive reinforcement', which involves adding something that a horse finds pleasurable, like a scratch or a food reward.

10/11/2022

Did you know that the footfalls for rein back are not the same as walking backwards? They are more like trotting backwards, because the rein back is also a two-beat movement in diagonal pairs!

We introduce rein back very early in the Rider Certificates as part of step back during groundwork. This makes it very easy for the rider to watch the legs and make sure they are moving clearly in diagonal pairs. Riders can then feel this movement when mounted, to allow clear and deliberate steps.

10/11/2022

All behaviour is communication. Next time you catch yourself thinking emotional or judgmental thoughts about your horse like 'that's so annoying' or 'he's being so naughty', try thinking 'isn't that interesting' instead. You might be surprised at how differently you see your horse, what's being communicated and how you can help. Now, isn't that interesting!

23/08/2022

How's your horse's outlook?

Does he look outwards and forwards when you ride, or does he look downwards?

The physical and mental welfare of horses suffers when they are ridden with their necks too round (hyperflexed), with their nasal plane behind a vertical line to the ground ('behind the vertical' or 'behind the bit').

Research shows that horses ridden in hyperflexion have restricted breathing and vision. A horse at liberty would never carry himself in this way for more than a very brief period.

When you next ride, make sure that your horse is not looking downwards. If he is, allow or encourage him to look outwards and forwards!

Learn more about your horse’s neck at https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/how-your-horse-s-outline-affects-his-way-of-going

08/07/2022

Another fantastic opportunity to work with one of our member charities 👇

HorseWorld Trust is looking for someone with up-to-date knowledge of equine care + experience in dealing with equine welfare concerns to advise on equine welfare matters & in rescue situations 🐴

Closes 25/7

Visit 🔗 horseworld.org.uk/about-us/employment

12/03/2022

Interesting!

Horse manure is a great source of fuel! Backwoods Home has instructions on how to make horse manure bricks to burn as and claims it has a higher heating value than seasoned hardwood. https://www.backwoodshome.com/your-manure-pile/

08/03/2022

The Welfare Campaigns Officer for Bransby Horses will significantly contribute to the delivery of our strategic intention; Influencing Welfare Culture.

26/02/2022

British Racing's commitment to equine welfare will see them roll out white obstacles at all Jumps racecourses in 2022.The ‘orange to white’ project, champion...

16/02/2022

💩Testing for worms! 💩

Did you know we can now test for encysted redworm and tapeworm burden alongside the usual faecal worm egg counts that we recommend? 💉

We rarely recommend "blanket worming" anymore and for many years have recommended taking faecal samples to check the faecal worm egg content and therefore worm burden of the horse. 🌱

However, these faecal worm egg counts do have their limitations. They cannot tell us the tapeworm burden of the horse, nor can they tell us the encysted redworm burden of the horse.

Until recently we have recommended blanket worming at certain times of the year for both tapeworm and encysted redworm.

❕However NOW we can take a blood sample to assess the horse's encysted redworm burden and we can also take a blood test to assess the tapeworm burden. A saliva based test is also available to test for tapeworm. Therefore allowing us to only treat horses with de-wormers if necessary. 🙌

This is great news as just like antibiotics, we are seeing increased resistance issues with anthelmintics (De-wormers). The less we can use these products, the more we can slow down the development of resistance. 👏

🐎🩺📞If you are unsure of how to manage your yard or individual horse, please contact us and we would be happy to help you formulate the best targeted worming programme for your individual situation. 📞

26/01/2022

The Highway Code is changing this week! One of the new rules being introduced is a risk-based hierarchy. The new hierarchy of road users mean those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a crash SHOULD bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. https://bit.ly/3AtWEMM

Department for Transport THINK Road Safety The British Horse Society

26/01/2022

📢 ICYMI! Submissions are now open for our 2022 Congress Clinical Research Abstracts 📢

Present your work at Europe's largest equine veterinary conference and be considered for publication in Equine Veterinary Journal. Submissions close on 10 February 2022.

Find out more - http://ow.ly/p0VG50HCkV8

04/01/2022

TOP EVENT GROOM POSITION - £30k circa pa

COMPETITION groom required for small family yard Lincs/Norfolk border. Full-time or possible part-time considered but with responsibility for covering major Events/some training days.

Experienced, enthusiastic, dedicated groom who has worked in the industry for several years and been responsible for horses competing up to at least 4* level. Must have:

🔷 Experience and enthusiasm
🔷 Attention to detail/observation skills
🔷 Positive attitude/good communication skills
🔷 Happy to work hard/be flexible

Four Competition horses: Young Rider Medal Pathway, Advanced Level, Intermediate/Advanced. Plus care of: Two foals, Shetland, and racing pony when at home.

Must have HGV license (7.5t lorry).
Cottage available + Fuel.

DM for more information.

03/01/2022

PART TIME YARD WORK

We’re looking for someone local who is cheerful, hardworking, and sensitive around the horses to join our team part time to assist with the yard work. Ideally 4 hours in the mornings, 2-6 days a week.

Yard location - 5 mins south of M4 Junction 18

For more info please contact [email protected] with your telephone number.

31/12/2021

So myself and Beth were out for our NY’s eve hack today and an off leash dog on our walk had a bit of go, running around behind her while barking and lunging. The dog wasn’t out of control, they had been standing by their owner while they waited for me to pass by, but I think the dog just got nervous of the large animal approaching and became protective of the owner. Beth has always been good with dogs until last year when a large malamute came running around a corner and they both gave themselves quite a fright! Luckily despite this, she has been trained to keep the dog in front of her and stand them off if they approach like this. She did great, listened to the aids and stood her ground. In most cases, I have found the dog quickly retreats and backs off, which this one did. I usually stand for a moment or so after to let the dog re-examine the situation so it isn’t too stressful for anyone involved. I always make a point not to take it out on the owner, it seemed like a once off and unexpected behaviour. However if they decide to keep their dogs off leash without recall training and contact is imminent, I do train the horse to advance toward the dog quickly. In which case, I don’t think the owner has much of a leg to stand on if the dog is injured. It is important to stop advancing the second the dog starts to retreat, and only continue if they come again. It has always worked and I have never injured a dog or had an accident myself due to a bolting horse etc. Hopefully Beth’s reaction will make the dog less likely to perform the behaviour in future, but I always am interested to hear how others deal with this type of situation!

29/12/2021

Are you seeking to improve your relationship with your horse, and your horse’s performance? Are you reflective and analytic, and have always felt you needed to understand the ‘why’ in horse training?

If this sounds like you, our Diploma of Equitation Science might be the ideal course for you. 😊

🐴 Applications for next intake due by January 16th, 2022🐴

This course is intended to provide participants with a range of knowledge and skills to perform the functions associated with training horses, riders, handlers and coaches. Understanding how horses learn and behave is vital for anyone in the horse industry, as this evidence-based knowledge will enhance all sectors of the equine industry.

Find out more here: https://www.esi-education.com/courses/diploma/

10872NAT Diploma of Equitation Science
[RTO ID 41254]

27/10/2021

“If the size and design of the exercise area/pasture, the group constellations, and the characters of the stallions are considered, keeping stallions in groups represents the most species-appropriate form of husbandry for them.”

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351407185_Keeping_Stallions_in_Groups-Species-Appropriate_or_Relevant_to_Animal_Welfare

23/10/2021

Latest research with Karin Donckers is in The Irish Field this morning 🙌🙌🙌

16/10/2021

Can’t believe I never thought of this before 🤷‍♀️🙈😂

07/10/2021

!!Now with an updated link!!

Important information regarding registration to this year's ISES conference!

Due to the wonderful generosity of our ISES 2021 conference sponsors, we are now able to provide free (yes FREE!) conference registration for all. This means that you will be able to attend live plenary presentations including the ‘Clever Hans’ opening talk given by some excellent invited speakers as well as access the recorded talks given during the four themed sessions including the virtual poster sessions and panel Q&A’s.
This is open to all with an interest in improving the welfare of the horse in its interactions with us. An amazing opportunity to hear from some well respected international equitation science researchers and practitioners, and all for free! We hope that if you haven’t yet become an ISES member/supporter, this experience will inspire you to join!

Register now using EventBrite and we look forward to seeing you there! Direct link to registration:
https://equitationscience.com/conferences/

23/09/2021

Click on the article title to read more.

15/09/2021

The first man to give me a full time job in the equine industry…such sad news…what a life he made for himself

07/09/2021

Latest research paper is out with Josie Pegg​ on MDPI​ - big thank you to Karin Donckers for collaborating with us on this study! https://www.mdpi.com/1261788

This observational study aimed to elucidate the effects of RWST on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of horses and concurrently determine whether RWST limits distal limb temperature increases previously reported during gallop training on land. A group of 15 clinically sound internationa...

01/09/2021

Glad to see our paper on Ridden Water Submersion Training in Elite Event Horses has been accepted for publication in Animals! Big thank you to Karin Donckers for allowing us to collect data during her training sessions and for collaborating with the scientific community to help us better understand this form of training!

21/08/2021

Today has been a good day.