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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-R...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2016; 6(3); doi: 10.3390/ani6030015

The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-Related Risks to Humans.

Abstract: Equitation science is an evidence-based approach to horse training and riding that focuses on a thorough understanding of both equine ethology and learning theory. This combination leads to more effective horse training, but also plays a role in keeping horse riders and trainers safe around horses. Equitation science underpins ethical equitation, and recognises the limits of the horse's cognitive and physical abilities. Equitation is an ancient practice that has benefited from a rich tradition that sees it flourishing in contemporary sporting pursuits. Despite its history, horse-riding is an activity for which neither horses nor humans evolved, and it brings with it significant risks to the safety of both species. This review outlines the reasons horses may behave in ways that endanger humans and how training choices can exacerbate this. It then discusses the recently introduced 10 Principles of Equitation Science and explains how following these principles can minimise horse-related risk to humans and enhance horse welfare.
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Publication Date: 2016-02-23 PubMed ID: 26907354PubMed Central: PMC4810043DOI: 10.3390/ani6030015Google 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.

The research investigates how equitation science, an evidence-based approach to horse training, contributes to minimizing risks to humans related to horse-riding and training. It particularly explains how the 10 Principles of Equitation Science can further enhance horse welfare and reduce human-related risks.

Understanding of Equitation Science

  • The paper talks about equitation science being an evidence-based approach towards horse training and riding and is characterized by a comprehensive understanding of both equine ethology and learning theory.
  • This integration of knowledge about horse behavior (ethology) and how they learn (learning theory) makes training more effective and safer for both horse and human.
  • Equitation Science underlines the essence of ethical equitation, considering the cognitive and physical limitations of horses.

Horse-Riding: Associated Risks and Challenges

  • Regardless of its ancient practice and evolutionary success in sporting pursuits, horse-riding is inherently risky for both humans and horses, as neither species evolved for such activities.
  • Horses might behave in ways that are potentially dangerous to humans, and certain training methods can worsen this threat.

The Introduction of the 10 Principles of Equitation Science

  • The paper introduces the 10 Principles of Equitation Science, a set of guidelines designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of horse training and handling.
  • These principles are based on scientific research about horse behaviour and cognition, making them a reliable resource for trainers.

The Impact of Adhering to the 10 Principles

  • By following these principles, risks associated with horse-riding for humans can be minimized.
  • Also, these principles are designed to promote horse welfare, indicating that ethical treatment of horses and safety for humans can go hand-in-hand in equitation science.

Cite This Article

APA
Starling M, McLean A, McGreevy P. (2016). The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-Related Risks to Humans. Animals (Basel), 6(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6030015

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 3

Researcher Affiliations

Starling, Melissa
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia. mjstarling@fastmail.com.au.
McLean, Andrew
  • Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Broadford VIC 3658, Australia. andrewmclean@esi-education.com.
McGreevy, Paul
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia. paul.mcgreevy@sydney.edu.au.

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