Groundwork and Horses: An Evidence-Based Approach to Training Methods and Human-Horse Relationships
Few topics spark as much passionate debate as the 'correct' way to train a horse.
From traditional methods to the allure of natural horsemanship, everyone seems to have an opinion. But what does the evidence actually tell us?
Groundwork - it's the foundation of horse training
It’s the equine equivalent of learning your ABCs. But in recent years, this seemingly straightforward practice has become a battleground of competing ideologies. On one side, we have the traditional trainers, brandishing their lunging whips. On the other, the natural horsemanship gurus, claiming to 'speak horse' through elaborate body language. And somewhere in the middle, a growing cadre of science-based trainers, armed with behavioural studies and learning theory.
Training Strategies and Their Effects
Now, you might think that training a horse is simply a matter of showing it who's boss. But recent research suggests it's not quite that simple. A study comparing horses trained in open versus closed environments found that those given more freedom to respond actually showed more exploratory beha…
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