This training program is based on Dr Andrew McLeans talk at Pony Club Victoria, on the syllabus of Pony Club Australia. It provides a good introduction to Equitation Science and explains some of the main principles. 

Equitation Science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during training and competition. 

The horse’s brain works differently than the human brain

Describing horses as if they were human is a pitfall. It can help create empathy, but it’s also a trap. The horse’s brain works differently, focusing on finding food, escaping predators and keeping with the herd. 

The horse is very clever, good at forming habits and at learning. But not in the same way as humans - he is not good at complex thoughts, logic and reasoning. The horse doesn’t plan ahead like we do.

In this video Dr Andrew McLean describes the nature of horses, how their senses and brain works, and why it matters to us as riders and horse owners.