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 is an emerging field that explains why horses behave as they do, their biomechanical patterns and limitations, and how we can modify horse behaviour. It explains what is likely to work and not in horse training, and how we can communicate more effectively with horses. Equitation Science is not an ideology but rather a body of knowledge that provides evidence-based ‘first principles’ that ensure safety, efficiency, best-practice welfare and ultimately sustainability.

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 or reflect 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.