EQUITATION SCIENCE

Black Tent Publications

I CANNOT do better than introduce Equitation Science (to those who are unfamiliar with it) by quoting from the cover of Academic Horse Training: equitation science in practice by Andrew McLean and Manuela McLean of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre. If you don't have a scientific turn of mind, don't be put off by the word 'science'. Equitation Science simply uses scientifically-proven evidence of how animals really learn and applies it specifically to horses and how they think. It follows true, old French classical principles and builds on them to produce a system which horses can understand easily. It trains lightness and self-carriage from very early in the horse's training and in all disciplines, including racing, making the horse's work so much easier and pleasanter for him and, therefore, enabling him to work to the best of his abilities rather than being hindered by his rider. It also emphasises other classical principles such as 'legs without hands, hands without legs' or not using leg and rein aids at the exact same moment - a great fallacy in much modern riding - and the accurate timing of the application and release of aids.

Another great emphasis in equitation science is on consistency of the aids so that the horse can make confident associations between them and what we are asking, removing the confusion which causes so much fear and so many problems both on the ground and under saddle. Horses and ponies not initially schooled in this system soon learn it and perform calmly and well if the trainer is consistent.

It is still the normal practice of most riders and trainers who do not use true classical methods to treat and attempt to school horses as though they were able to think like human children. I believe that this is the reason that so much physical force and psychological oppression is used in riding today: as our society at large has become further and further detached from life with horses, those who do mix with them, who ride and try to train them become frustrated with horses' failure to respond to human logic (rather than equine mental abilities) and training methods. This results in their exasperated riders and trainers resorting to force in an inhumane attempt get their results. We are even seeing, more and more, harsh, even abusive methods of training and riding at the so-called 'highest' levels (usually meaning in competition) of equitation.

We have, however, finally reached the point where very many horse people and animal lovers the world over are saying loudly and publicly: 'Enough is enough'. The abuse of horses, especially for mere competition, is no longer acceptable.

This is the quotation from Academic Horse Training:

'Since the day humans first sat astride we have been trying to figure out how the horse thinks and learns. Now, with the help of science, we can stop guessing.

'This book takes us on a fascinating, enlightening journey into the horse's brain. The reader emerges with not only a clear picture of the horse's mind, but also a logical, step-by-step training method. Academic Horse Training promotes horse welfare and will stand the test of time for future generations.

'Developed over decades by Australians Dr. Andrew and Manuela McLean, this is a hands-on user's manual that demystifies and simplifies training. Academic Horse Training takes the guess-work out of training and provides easy to follow steps to training success.

'From training obedience and impulsion on the dressage arena to leading foals and retraining racehorses, this is the world's first evidence-based training system. It provides solutions for practically every problem behaviour horse owners face, based on state-of-the-art psychology. This book is complemented by a set of DVD's on Academic Horse Training also available from our website www.aebc.com.au.'

Andrew McLean wrote his first book on this topic, The Truth About Horses, before Academic Horse Training and it is still available from the AEBC and on the internet. I recommend it as a comprehensive introduction to equitation science, along with Horse Behavior by Dr Paul McGreevy (an American publisher but available in the UK and on the internet). These two experts have collaborated on a book, Equitation Science, due to be published during 2010. Another book incorporating its principles is Knowing Your Horse: A Guide to Equine Learning, Training and Behaviour by Emma Lethbridge.

Along with others, I as a rider, teacher and trainer have been using the techniques of equitation science in my work for about a year and recommend it completely. On this page, below, is an announcement from the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre giving details of two lecture-demonstrations to be given in England during August by Dr Andrew McLean.  Warwick McLean, son of Andrew and Manuela McLean, is now living in England and is available for lessons, clinics and lecture-demonstrations around the country (click on NEWS/EVENTS). His email address is warwickmclean82@gmail.com.

Do also visit the website of the International Society for Equitation Science at www.equitationscience.com.

Classical riding and schooling work superbly when correctly applied. Equitation Science puts the icing on the cake.

Ethical, Sustainable, Evidence Based Training - Saturday 14th August 2010 & Sunday 15th August 2010, with Dr Andrew McLean (.pdf download)

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