The Equine Method

26/06/2024

The HEAT is on!
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
We have a poster for you to share at your yard, stables, tackroom and anywhere else you feel other horse owners will see it!

Please print the poster – it should print directly to your home printer as an A4 poster. Please print in colour or black and white, whatever works for you.

https://drdavidmarlin.com/heatwave-poster-print-and-share/

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY HORSE/PONY IS TOO HOT?
1. Are they hot to touch?
2. Covered in sweat?
3. Showing prominent veins on the skin?
4. Blowing (laboured deep breathing)?
5. Have flared nostrils? 6. Look depressed or overly excited?
7. Unsteady on their feet (ataxic)?
If you answer YES to any of the above the horse needs rapid cooling AND A VET!

There is lots of help and advice on the website > https://drdavidmarlin.com/?s=hot+Heat+cooling

26/06/2024

Do NOT scrape

As the temperatures soar today, remember to leave water on your horse to help it cool down!

Avoid scraping the water off – leaving it on enhances their natural cooling process called thermoregulation, where sweat and evaporating water help regulate their body temperature.

Always ensure your horse has access to fresh water and shade. Avoid travelling and hard work if possible 🤞🏼

25/06/2024

We’ve all done it.

We’ve had a truly horrible day with our horses. Felt miserable. Demoralised. Frustrated.

We turn to Google and Facebook groups.

… and we get flooded with suggestions and ‘solutions’

Here’s why it’s not helping…

⛔️ It doesn’t matter how descriptive you are, or how many videos you include - the majority of people will misunderstand the situation or not fully appreciate what you’re saying. That’s not their fault, it’s just that they’re only getting a snap shot of you’re current issue.

⛔️ You don’t know who you’re talking to. Yes, some genuine people with real experience and qualifications might reply, but they will be drowned out by the masses of unsolicited advice and incorrect information

⛔️ You will be given bad advice. End of. You 100% will be provided with incorrect and bad advice. But you’re somehow expected to be able to decipher the good from the bad, all on your own 😨

⛔️There’s no real-time feedback. Google and Facebook can’t teach ‘feel’ but I guarantee you, someone will give advice which includes ‘feel’. Chances are - if you’re already struggling then being told to ‘feel’ isn’t that helpful. How do you know you’re ‘feeling’ the right thing? 🤷🏻‍♀️

The Equine Method has been specially designed to:

✅ Understand the whole picture. I want to get to know you, as a person. I want to get to know your horse. Your routine, your likes, dislikes and the whole back story. I’m here for the details

✅ Be Personal. Each programme of training is tailored to you and your horse. Your equine set up, your goals, your confidence levels and understanding. It’s my job to meet you where you’re at.

✅ Be Supportive. I’m here to be your coach and your biggest cheerleader. It doesn’t matter how quickly or slowly we progress, there’s no judgement because it’s ‘your’ journey with ‘your’ horse. Whatever pace you’re moving at, is the right pace 👌🏻

Too many people feel isolated and foolish in our industry.

Get In Touch Today

[email protected]
www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk

25/06/2024

🌟 Understanding Horse Perception: The Power of Facial Expressions 🌟

As an equine behaviourist, I’m here to help horse owners overcome challenging behaviour. Did you know that horses can recognise our facial expressions and differentiate between happiness and anger? This remarkable ability underscores the importance of being aware of our emotions when working with our horses.

Horses are masters of body language and if they can notice our expressions, they can pick up on much more. They observe our movements, posture, and even subtle cues that we might not be aware of. This sensitivity means that mistakes in training can often stem from our own actions, rather than the horse’s behaviour.

By becoming more mindful of our emotions and body language, we can foster better communication and understanding with our horses. Remember, a calm and positive approach can make a significant difference in your horse’s response and overall training success.

For guidance and support, visit www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk or call 07902 920923.

25/06/2024

I adore this clip from last summer 🤩

Working to establish target behaviour to a cone to assist with handling multiple horses in and out the gateway.

By sheer fluke or perhaps horse preference we ended up with an ear touch to the cone 🫣 overall it doesn’t affect the training goal so if the horse prefers it - we roll with it! 😅👌🏻

Finding useful ways to incorporate positive and negative reinforcement training into traditional equestrianism is fun!

There’s a real a sense of accomplishment to both you and your horse.

Ethical training of horses doesn’t just mean using positive reinforcement

It’s about finding the best method for that horse-human combination

Sometimes known as using the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) approach along side learning theory.

That sounds scary - but I promise you - you can do it too! 🥳

📧 [email protected]
📞 07902 920923
🌍 www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk

18/06/2024

Finally some UK coverage on the RTÉ documentary

Please sign the petition to close the site down

https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/shut-down-kildare-s-horse-abbatoir

‘Horses let down in every way possible’: action taken after documentary exposes horrific scenes
Read more via link below

17/06/2024

🎙️ In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Barbara of Bright Horse and I dive into the recent revelations from the RTÉ documentary “Horses Making a Killing.” We discuss the illegal practices and fraudulent activities uncovered within the equine industry, including falsified documents, unsafe transport conditions, and inhumane treatment at slaughterhouses.

Join us as we break down the key points from the documentary, provide historical context, and highlight the broader implications for horse owners in the UK, Ireland, and Europe. We also include powerful interviews from a recent protest outside Shannonside Foods (15th June 2024) with Maddie and Kelly from My Lovely Horse Rescue offering their insights.

Listener discretion is advised due to the distressing nature of the content discussed in this episode. For those who find the topic too challenging, we offer alternative ways to engage with the material through a written summary and updates available on our Facebook and blog.

The podcast is available at:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/184izE0jiZABqcYeLTAfsf?si=3jojjLvZRVatImbf3EndlQ

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dangerous-at-both-ends-tricky-in-the-middle/id1709159077?i=1000659258750

Buzzsprout - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2254012/episodes/15254527

Or directly via our websites.

17/06/2024

🎙️ In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Barbara of Bright Horse and I dive into the recent revelations from the RTÉ News documentary "Horses Making a Killing." We discuss the illegal practices and fraudulent activities uncovered within the equine industry, including falsified documents, unsafe transport conditions, and inhumane treatment at slaughterhouses.

Join us as we break down the key points from the documentary, provide historical context, and highlight the broader implications for horse owners in the UK, Ireland, and Europe. We also include powerful interviews from a recent protest outside Shannonside Foods (15th June 2024) with Maddie and Kelly from My Lovely Horse Rescue offering their insights.

Listener discretion is advised due to the distressing nature of the content discussed in this episode. For those who find the topic too challenging, we offer alternative ways to engage with the material through a written summary and updates available on our Facebook and blog.

The podcast is available at:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/184izE0jiZABqcYeLTAfsf?si=3jojjLvZRVatImbf3EndlQ

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dangerous-at-both-ends-tricky-in-the-middle/id1709159077?i=1000659258750

Buzzsprout - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2254012/episodes/15254527

Or directly via our websites.

‎Show Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle, Ep Exposing Equine Abuse - RTÉ Investigates Making a Killing - 17 Jun 2024

15/06/2024

Podcast Episode coming soon 🎙️

Thank you to everyone who turned out at the protest today outside Shannonside Foods, and special thanks to My Lovely Horse Rescue for organising it.

This week has been tough following the RTÉ investigation 'Making a Killing'. Now is the time for us to take action for the horses of Ireland.

Today, I spoke with Maddie and Kelly from MLHR. Their interview will be featured on a special edition podcast where we discuss the investigation in full.

Stay tuned as myself and The Equine Method ( ) will dive into this tragic abuse and reporting on the investigation 'Making a Killing'

15/06/2024

Thank you to everyone who turned out at the protest today outside Shannonside Foods, and special thanks to My Lovely Horse Rescue for organising it.

This week has been tough following the RTÉ investigation 'Making a Killing'. Now is the time for us to take action for the horses of Ireland.

Today, I spoke with Maddie and Kelly from MLHR. Their interview will be featured on a special edition podcast where we discuss the investigation in full.

Stay tuned as myself and The Equine Method ( ) will dive into this tragic abuse and reporting on the investigation 'Making a Killing'

13/06/2024

Please read. Please share 😢

I have a pretty strong stomach but this has honestly made me feel sick. There’s been sections I just can’t watch.

The lid is being lifted on a decade long scandal and there’s still episode 2 to come …

I am utterly heartbroken 💔

Bright Horse has bravely and eloquently put this together to help us make some sort of sense of these horrific scenes

Statement on - RTÉ Investigates: Horses Making a Killing RTÉ One

The recent documentary, RTE Investigates: Horses Making a Killing, aired on June 12th, has revealed a series of distressing and illegal practices within Ireland’s equine industry. For those of us deeply embedded in this sector, these revelations are, regrettably, not unexpected. As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in equine welfare, I find it imperative to write this statement/article to help shed light on these issues.

RTE have highlighted the systemic failures, and I commend them for their work. I hope it will compile those in power to provide comprehensive reforms in our equine industry.

For those who wish to watch the documentary, a link is here (https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/player/525555751982). However, please be advised that the content is extremely distressing. For those unable to watch, a summary follows below. Names, dates, facts, and figures reported in this article are cited from the documentary RTE Investigates: Horses Making a Killing as part of their thorough research and investigation. I provide them here only to report on them.

This article will delve into the documentary’s findings, emphasising the need for accountability across the industry, advocating for more robust checks and balances, and underscoring the necessity of humane end-of-life care for horses.

📌𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝
The documentary highlighted a significant gap in the tracking and management of horses in Ireland. Despite the legal requirement for a census for any equine kept overnight in a facility, effective from November 30, 2023, over 20,000 Irish horses remain unaccounted for. This alarming figure points to widespread negligence and fraudulent activities within the industry.

One of the most egregious practices uncovered involves the falsification of documents and microchips. RTE reports that Edward and Felix Burke of Rockwell Stables were exposed for creating fraudulent sales and lying about the ages of horses, even resorting to gaslighting buyers who questioned them. The discovery of horses with multiple microchips indicates a systematic effort to manipulate records and increase the sale value of these animals. This is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, deeply entrenched culture of fraud within the industry.

RTE also reports that the Cash family regularly ships horses to a slaughterhouse in Europe run by an individual previously jailed and banned, for horse passport crimes. These horses are provided with fake passports, highlighting a blatant disregard for legal and ethical standards. It is difficult to believe these people were unaware of the individual’s criminal history; their actions suggest a prioritisation of profit over welfare. I also find it hard to believe they are alone in this practice.

Furthermore, the documentary revealed the unsafe and overloaded transport conditions for horses. One lorry was found to be overloaded by 10 horses (max carrying capacity of 16, but held 26 horses), with urine and faecal matter leaking from the vehicle, prompting a search at the port. Among the seized horses, one tested positive for equine influenza, one was pregnant, and six were undeclared. These breaches in transportation laws not only endanger the horses but also pose significant risks to public safety and biosecurity. Shipping a horse with equine influenza is a serious biosecurity issue that puts multiple horses at risk, in addition a sick horse is not suitable for slaughter. Neither is legal to send a pregnant horse for slaughter.

📌𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫
The second part of the documentary shines a harsh light on the egregious treatment and handling of horses at a slaughterhouse in Straffan, County Kildare, owned by Mr. Fitzpatrick. RTE report that members of the Fitzpatrick family, despite a history of animal cruelty convictions, continues to operate with blatant disregard for animal welfare, highlighting a systemic failure in regulatory oversight.

Regulatory failure has played a significant role in allowing these practices to continue. Despite six citations at this plant, some for incorrect passports and microchips in 2011, the Department of Agriculture and the Irish Veterinary Council have not taken sufficient action to address these issues and allowed the plant to continue to operate. This lack of enforcement has enabled fraudulent activities to persist unchecked for over 13 years, raising serious questions about the efficacy of current regulatory frameworks.

One of the most shocking revelations is the actions of the so called ‘welfare officer’ Aaron Fitzpatrick. Footage from the documentary shows him engaging in extreme cruelty, including punching, beating, screaming at, and stabbing horses with a pitchfork that has fallen to the ground (and later dies). In one instance, he is seen shooting a horse in front of other horses after it struggled to stand for hours. Another heart-wrenching scene shows a mare giving birth to a stillborn foal, only to be hit repeatedly and the dead foal removed. Another horse, unable to stand for hours, was screamed at, hit, and stabbed with a pitchfork in an attempt to make it stand. After hours of struggle, the horse died, and its body was left in the stable for a full day before being removed.

The level of cruelty and neglect observed in the documentary is not only sickening but also far below any acceptable standards of animal welfare. This inhumane treatment is compounded by fraudulent practices. RTE show footage that suggests fraudulent passports and new microchips being inserted into the horses, in order to facilitate the illegal slaughter and sale of horses meat, demonstrating a complete disregard for legal and ethical standards. In addition to this, selling horse meat that is not suitable for human consumption puts people at risk and contaminates the food chain.

Moreover, the presence of department vets on-site, tasked with validating these horses, has done little to mitigate these abuses. The failure of these vets to uphold their duty of care necessitates, in my opinion, an urgent investigation by the Veterinary Ireland Council and Department of Agriculture. The documentary’s footage starkly contrasts with the Chief Veterinary Officer's previous claims (which are shown on the documentary in his report to parliament) that the plant was operating ‘within regulations’, raising serious questions about the integrity of these inspections and those involved in auditing the facility.

Considering the practices have been ongoing since at least 2011, it is clear that this could not be an isolated issue but a systemic problem within the industry. Trainers sending animals to slaughter, slaughterhouse staff, friends and family, other prominent trainers in the equine sports and leisure industry, the Department of Agriculture, and inspecting vets must all be held accountable. Not just those directly involved in the animal abuse. Nothing substantial has been done in 13 years to protect these horses. Responsibility lies with everyone involved in the chain, not just the Fitzpatrick family.

In light of the distressing revelations from the documentary RTE Investigates: Horses Making a Killing, it is imperative that we see immediate and decisive action from various regulatory bodies and stakeholders within the equine industry.

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲:
🔗Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f242f-statement-from-the-department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine-regarding-rte-investigates-programme/)
🔗Horse Sports Ireland (https://www.horsesportireland.ie/horse-sport-ireland-statement-on-rte-investigates-documentary/ )
🔗Horse Racing Ireland (https://www.hri.ie/corporate/press-office/press-release/hri-statement)

There remains a silence from the veterinary council of Ireland, a body responsible for ensuring the suitability of horses for slaughter and overseeing inspections for many years. I urge them to make a statement soon and provide a comprehensive statement addressing the failures exposed by the documentary.

The Veterinary council of Ireland must complete a full investigation to understand why/how the vets overseeing these processes failed to report the abuses and how they deemed these horses fit for slaughter. The Council must explain their actions and inactions, and ensure rigorous changes to prevent future failings.

The Garda Síochána must conduct thorough investigations into the illegal activities and animal cruelty detailed in the documentary. This includes examining the roles of trainers, slaughterhouse staff, and any individuals involved in the creation of fake passports and microchips.

The Department of Agriculture must reassess its regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms. An internal review is necessary to understand how these practices were allowed to continue unchecked for over a decade despite multiple citations and the vets employed under their governance.

I hope that those involved will be held accountable for their actions. Those found guilty of animal cruelty and fraudulent activities should face lifetime bans from the equine industry, the seizure of their assets, and prison sentences.

Clearly the current Animal Welfare Legislation is not fit for purpose. We need to strengthen animal welfare laws to ensure more rigorous enforcement, regular inspections, and severe penalties for non-compliance. This includes addressing the humane treatment and end-of-life care for horses, ensuring that owners have access to safe and kind euthanasia options.

Regulatory bodies must commit to greater transparency in their operations. This includes publicly reporting their findings and actions taken to address these issues, restoring public trust in the regulatory framework. Otherwise we risk loosing our social licence to operate in the equine industry.

By holding all responsible parties accountable and implementing these reforms, we can begin to address the systemic issues within Ireland’s equine industry. The welfare of these animals depends on our commitment to enforcing ethical practices and ensuring that such abuses are never allowed to happen again. Only through stringent enforcement and accountability can we hope to eradicate these illegal activities and restore integrity to the industry.

The time for change is now, and we must act decisively to protect the welfare of horses in Ireland.

📝𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘙𝘛𝘌 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴: 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

07/06/2024

06/06/2024

I love this clip 🥰 to some of you watching, it might not seem like much. But for those of you who know what it’s like to struggle to worm or medicate a horse - it’s huge!

Just image how much easier life can be when our horse is a calm and willing participant.

Training a horse to accept a wormer or other unpleasant medications can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach, it can become a stress-free and safe process, providing lasting results for the future.

Using positive reinforcement is key. By rewarding your horse for calm and cooperative behaviour, you create a positive association with the medication process. It’s essential to understand and implement correct learning theory, ensuring your horse’s training is both effective and humane.

My role as a behaviourist is to support my clients in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. I provide tailored guidance to help you and your horse navigate these challenges, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.

For professional support and advice, visit www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk or call 07902 920923. Together, we can make medication time a positive experience for you and your horse.

03/06/2024

When addressing animal behaviour, it’s essential to understand that environment and housing conditions play significant roles. Many believe that behavioural issues arise from a single cause, hoping for a simple solution. Yet, the reality is far more complex.

Animals, including horses, can exhibit ‘bad behaviour’ due to inadequate or stressful living conditions. Factors such as space, social interaction, and environmental enrichment are critical in shaping their behaviour. Poor housing can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even aggression.

By ensuring animals have appropriate, enriched environments, we can greatly improve their well-being and behaviour. I hope to encourage more horse owners to commit to providing optimal living conditions, recognising that a holistic approach is key to addressing and preventing behavioural issues.

www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk

07902 920923

01/06/2024

Pocket Nook Equine Vets Ltd. Sharing the best advice yet again 👏🏻👏🏻

01/06/2024

🩹🐴Updating my animal first aid kit and I’m wondering what everyone’s favourite products are? ⛑️

Poor Dougal has a pink nose so suncream is definitely on the order list!

Ruben tends to get quite itchy, not as bad as sweet itch. To date I have been (and still am) a massive fan of Goodbye Flies 👌🏻

For minor wounds, very often a saline solution is our best starting point. So a supply of sterile syringes (no needles) is on the list too.

Comment and share your favourites!

⛑️🛒🩹🐴❓

31/05/2024

30/05/2024

Scared of the Vet? Farrier? Needles? Smoke?

Counter conditioning is a technique we use to change a horse’s negative response to something into a positive one. 🐴✨ It involves pairing something the horse is afraid of or dislikes with something they love. Over time, this can help them to develop a positive association with the previously scary thing. It’s like turning lemons into lemonade! 🍋➡️🍹

By consistently rewarding calm and relaxed behaviour, we help the horse feel more comfortable and confident. It’s all about patience, persistence, and a correct application & understanding of equine learning theory. 🌟💪

And maybe the behaviour you’d love to change this year is your horse’s fear of needles, making vet visits an stress-free, and safer experience for both of you! 💉🐎

Learn more at www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk or call 07902 920923.

27/05/2024

When working on behaviour modification in horses, it’s tempting to believe there’s a single cause for troublesome behaviour.

Human nature drives us to seek simple solutions, hoping for a quick fix to save the day. However, life is rarely that straightforward.

Horses displaying ‘bad behaviour’ are often struggling with underlying issues. They require a compassionate, informed investigation to understand the function, motivation, and maintenance factors of their actions.

It’s crucial to look beyond the surface, recognising that behavioural problems can stem from a multitude of sources including pain, fear, past trauma, sub-optimal living conditions and many, many more.

Let’s approach horse training with empathy and a scientific mindset, ensuring we provide our equine friends with the care and understanding they deserve.

www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk

07902 920923

26/05/2024

Ever wondered how we teach horses new behaviours? 🤔 It’s all about using a “shaping plan”!

A shaping plan is a step-by-step guide we use to train our equine friends. 🐴✨ It involves breaking down the desired behaviour into small, manageable steps. Each step builds on the previous one, gradually guiding the horse towards the final goal. Think of it as a recipe for success! 🍀

By rewarding the horse for each small achievement, we keep them motivated and ensure they understand what we want from them. It’s all about positive reinforcement and patience. 🌟💪

And maybe the behaviour you’d love to achieve this year is to finally be able to wash, hose, and bath your horse without them dancing around and making the whole process last 10x longer than it needs to be! 🚿🐎

Learn more at - www.TheEquineMethod.co.uk or call us at 07902 920923.

16/05/2024

The Study:
At at Michigan State University, sixteen young Arabian horses were divided into three groups: pasture-kept with training, stalled with training, and a control group with no training. Pastured horses had access to large outdoor spaces, while stalled horses were kept in small box stalls. Training sessions were held in a round pen, but the methods were not detailed.

So, we have a few issues here:

- Two-year-olds were trained under saddle and ridden. Would older horses yield the same results? is this reflective of the general horse owner population?
- Stalled horses had no turnout at all.
- Training methods might not align with more modern, ethical practices.

But let's continue…

Study Results:
- Stalled horses needed more time to complete training.
- Stalled horses took longer to habituate during groundwork.
- More repetitions were needed for stalled horses.
- Stalled horses show more tense postures.
- Stalled horses bucked and jumped more frequently.
- Overall training time was longer for stalled horses.

Takeaway:
As much as I would like the world to be clear-cut, it's not, and we can't take the original statement at face value alone. The treatment regime in this study does not reflect the majority population of horses and horse owners in the UK. We might face limited turnout, but for the most part, young horses are offered some level of free movement, even if it's time in an exercise pen. So, this tells me we need to be cautious. Similarly, would the results be different if a more positive reinforcement approach was used? Utilising learning theory correctly?

Remember, one study isn't conclusive. Science evolves, and new information can be uncomfortable but is necessary for progress.

The purpose of these posts is to highlight research papers that I feel my followers might find interesting. All papers can be found online, and I urge anyone reading this to go and read them for themselves, and come back with your own insights!

Feel free to discuss and share!