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Genuine Equine

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Genuine Equine

Positive reinforcement-based approach to horse training. Sharing science-based horse info.

12/02/2022

Horses are often bought, sold, and passed around like pieces of equipment in the horse industry. When we are ready to jump higher or our horse gets too old, we often pass them on in favor of a “better” horse. However, this practice overlooks the fact that horses are sentient beings who are heavily impacted by changes in situation and routine. While rehoming in itself is not always bad, and there are often legitimate reasons to find a new home for a horse, the fact of the matter is that handler changes—which often come with environment, herd, training style, etc. changes as well—can have a significant negative impact on a horse.

I am not asking people to never sell their horses. Sometimes, things happen and rehoming a horse is for the best. But based on the data of this study and other information that’s out there, I am urging us as a community to prioritize long-term relationships with our horses and to take decisions about rehoming very seriously while considering our horses’ wellbeing too, rather than merely what we want. And for a horse that does need to be sold or have multiple handlers, positive reinforcement training is the best way to set them up for success and to have positive associations with new humans.

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159122001678?via%

11/21/2022

Many people believe their equines are being aggressive “just because”, but really it’s in equines’ nature to be peaceful. Aggression—whether toward humans or other equines—is most likely caused by an unmet need. All behavior is communication and should be taken seriously!

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787818300030

11/08/2022

I found this study really interesting and fun! Music can improve horse mood and welfare.

On the other hand, with a study like this it’s important to acknowledge that with horses experiencing chronic stress, it’s better to manage the horses in a way that prevents that stress, such as stopping aversive training, implementing lots of turnout with other horses, providing 24/7 forage, etc. Playing music to decrease stress in the barn does not make up for the chronic stress that many sport horses and racehorses endure. But, it can be a form of enrichment and improve welfare in a small way so that’s worth noting!

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080615004153

11/03/2022

Here’s some information about riding ba****ck & whether or not it can harm your horse. The short answer is yes it can, but so can a saddle. It should be fine to ride ba****ck in small periods and to make sure the rider is balanced!

11/02/2022

There is absolutely no excuse why we as a community are so bad at reading our horses’ most basic communication signs, and it needs to be better. This study focuses on professionals’ reflections on how caretakers mistake, distort, and vilify natural horse behaviors. If you don’t want to take it from me that there’s a problem, take it from the professionals!

When we know better, we can do better. Some places to start are offered in the last slide: the book “Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses” by Rachael Draaisma & the horse grimace scale (HGS) by Dalla Costa et al.

We can make a big improvement in this area by just slowing down and listening to our horses when they say “no” or show small signs or discomfort. Plus, it’ll keep us safer too!

Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/21/2904/htm

10/28/2022

Not subjecting our horses to unnecessary distress is not only about ethics, but also about effectiveness! Your training will not be as effective OR enjoyable to your horse if they are operating under stress.

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347213004302

10/21/2022

Your horse doesn’t necessarily need a job; they need their 5 freedoms met and the opportunity to be a horse!

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080612007356

10/13/2022

This study suggests exactly why it’s so important to raise young and/or inexperienced horses around older, more experienced/confident horses! And having a habituated horse around for a scary situation like trailer loading, going to an unfamiliar environment, etc. can provide a lot of comfort to the less experienced horse, as well as potentially improve safety!

Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159118301059

09/28/2022

Horses focused on a food reward showed significantly less startle responses than those not focused on a food reward.

When a horse I’m working with seems startled, over threshold, or close to going over threshold, I often repeatedly feed them to center them and bring their attention back to their body rather than to the stimulus that’s frightening them. Food is a great way of helping a horse cope with a potentially scary stimulus!

Check out the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159118305732

09/24/2022

Hello! I've decided to make a page to share some of my horse-related study posts from Instagram. I think the Facebook horse world could use some "help" in the science department! :) I'll be sharing mostly information about studies, and also maybe some training/behavior content when I feel motivated.

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