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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / The advent of equitation science.
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2006; 174(3); 492-500; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.09.008

The advent of equitation science.

Abstract: The lengthy association of humans with horses has established traditional equestrian techniques that have served military and transport needs well. Although effective, these techniques have by-passed the research findings of modern psychologists, who developed the fundamentals of learning theory. That said, the pools of equestrian debate are far from stagnant. The latest wave of horse whisperers has offered some refinements and some novel interpretations of the motivation of horses undergoing training. Additionally, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has introduced the concept of the 'happy equine athlete' and, in the light of the hyperflexion (Rollkür) debate, recently examined the possible effects of some novel dressage modalities on equine 'happiness'. However, many still question the welfare of the ridden horse since it is largely trained using negative reinforcement, has to respond to pressure-based signals and is seldom asked to work for positive rewards. Science holds tremendous promise for removing emotiveness from the horse-riding welfare debate by establishing how much rein tension is too much; how much contact is neutral; how contact can be measured; how discomfort can be measured; how pain can be measured; and how learned helplessness manifests in horses. These are some of the topics addressed by equitation science, an emerging discipline that combines learning theory, physics and ethology to examine the salience and efficacy of horse-training techniques.
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Publication Date: 2006-12-08 PubMed ID: 17157542DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.09.008Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the inefficiencies and possible welfare implications of traditional equestrian techniques. The study explores the use of modern equitation science, combining learning theory, physics and ethology, to assess and improve horse training methods and ultimately the wellbeing of the horses themselves.

Background of the Study

  • The study sets the stage by highlighting the long historical relationship between humans and horses, focusing on traditional training and riding techniques, predominantly used for military purposes and transportation.
  • The study further contends that these traditional practices largely ignore established findings from psychology’s learning theory, which could improve training techniques and enhance horse welfare.
  • Despite the dominance of these conventional methods, the authors note currents within the equestrian world hinting at change, such as the wave of ‘horse whisperers’ introducing refined approaches and new interpretations of horse motivation during training.

Modern Equestrian Trends And Debates

  • Modern trends within equestrian circles, such as the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)’s concept of the ‘happy equine athlete’, are also mentioned. The authors explain how the FEI explores the potential effects of new dressage forms on horses’ welfare, particularly in the context of the controversial hyperflexion (Rollkür) technique.
  • The paper raises concerns about the welfare of ridden horses as current training methods predominantly use negative reinforcement and pressure-based signals rather than rewarding positive behaviour.

Introduction to Equitation Science

  • To address these challenges, the authors propose equitation science as a solution. This emerging discipline merges learning theory, physics, and ethology to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of horse training techniques.
  • Using science, the study suggests, can remove emotional responses from discussions about horse welfare, by determining objective indicators of comfort and discomfort – such as rein tension and learned helplessness – in horses. This offers a clear framework for evaluating and improving horse handling techniques from a welfare perspective.

Expectations for Equitation Science

  • The authors conclude by emphasizing the potential of equitation science to revolutionize traditional equestrian practices, leading to improvements in horse welfare and training outcomes.
  • By measuring and studying these aspects, equitation science can provide valuable insights and data to make informed decisions on the appropriate training techniques, shifting away from outdated, possibly harmful practices, and creating a better future for both horses and their handlers.

Cite This Article

APA
McGreevy PD. (2006). The advent of equitation science. Vet J, 174(3), 492-500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.09.008

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 174
Issue: 3
Pages: 492-500

Researcher Affiliations

McGreevy, Paul D
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, Gunn Building (B19), University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. paulm@vetsci.usyd.edu.au

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Horses
  • Learning

References

This article includes 33 references

Citations

This article has been cited 32 times.
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