Equitation Science

A new edition of a highly respected textbook and reference in the rapidly emerging field of equitation science. Equitation Science, 2nd Edition incorporates learning theory into ethical equine training frameworks suitable for riders of any level and for all types of equestrian activity. Written by international experts at the forefront of the development of the field, the welfare of the horse and rider safety are primary considerations throughout. This edition features a new chapter on research methods, and a companion website provides the images from the book in PowerPoint.

Preface vii

Acknowledgements ix

About the Companion Website xi

1 Introduction – The Fascination with Horses and Learning 1

2 Ethology and Cognition 7

3 Anthropomorphism and the Human–Horse Relationship 45

4 Non‐associative Learning 59

5 Associative Learning (Attractive stimuli) 81

6 Associative Learning (Aversive stimuli) 101

7 Applying Learning Theory 121

8 Training 151

9 Horses in Sport and Work 191

10 Apparatus 213

11 Biomechanics 235

12 Unorthodox Techniques 261

13 Stress and Fear Responses 273

14 Ethical Equitation 301

15 Research Methods in Equitation Science 313

16 The Future of Equitation Science 331

Glossary of the Terms and Definitions and of Processes Associated with Equitation 339

References 357

Index 393

About the authors
Paul McGreevy is a Professor of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia.

Janne Winther Christensen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Uta König von Borstel is a Professor of Animal Husbandry and Biology at the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Giessen, Germany.

Andrew McLean is one of the world's foremost equine behavioural practitioners and founder of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Australia.

A new edition of a highly respected textbook and reference in the rapidly emerging field of equitation science.

Equitation Science, Second Edition incorporates learning theory into ethical equine training frameworks suitable for riders of any level and for all types of equestrian activity. Written by international experts at the forefront of the development of the field, the welfare of the horse and rider safety are primary considerations throughout.

This second edition reflects the most recent advances in the discipline, and features a new chapter on research methods. Drawing together the principles of this emerging field, discussion centres around how horses think and learn, before exploring how to train, ride or compete with them in as fair a manner as possible and in ways that acknowledge their natural behaviour. The welfare consequences of training and competing horses under different protocols are explored.

Equitation Science, Second Edition is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of equine science, equine studies or equine behaviour. The text is also an invaluable reference for equine veterinarians, equine behaviour counsellors and, of course, horse riders and riding instructors.