Equitation Science

by Paul McGreevy, Janne Winther Christensen, Uta König von Borstel, Andrew McLean

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781119241416
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	04/23/2018
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

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.

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Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This is a brilliant and extensive effort at explaining the science behind many common correct and incorrect horsemanship and training techniques. The first half on the science of behavior and learning theory will not be for all readers, but for those who persist, it builds the foundation for the second half where misbehaviors are dealt with from a scientific standpoint. This is an excellent addition to the scientific behavioral literature.” (Doddy's, 20 April 2012)

'...the book is a must for every equine veterinary practice, equine training and teaching institution, and anyone concerned with horses who wants to be involved with their own individual training and development. It is a thought provoking textbook that will help the next generation of horse owners and equine enthusiasts to consider and reconsider their training and development protocols and will provide many others with the knowledge that what they are doing is right – and, more importantly, why it is right. Ultimately this book can only have a positive effect on the welfare of the horse and on the human– equine bond.' (The Vet Journal, December 2011)

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Jonathan Hale Foreman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: This book was written by two expert Australian behaviorists with extensive horse industry experience.
Purpose: The purpose is to describe "the first equine-training system that is totally based on what is referred to in the behavioural sciences as 'learning theory.'" While laudable, the bold statement that "it will help to ensure that humane, proficient horsemanship becomes more prevalent" will prove difficult to measure as an outcome of this publication.
Audience: The book is intended for "horse industry personnel, and indeed everyone who spends time with horses and ponies." While the intent is to appeal to a wide section of the horse industry, some of the science described may be difficult for the novice, layman, or nonscientist. On the other hand, some of the training techniques may prove difficult to understand by the inexperienced veterinarian who may not have an extensive horsemanship background.
Features: The first half of the book is devoted to the complex sciences of behavior and learning theory. The second half, devoted more to the biomechanics, behavior, and misbehavior of horses at work, is more directly applicable immediately without as much concentrated study as the first half. The book is richly illustrated with photographs and drawings and is supplemented extensively with charts and graphs that help to explain succinctly what is described at length in the text.
Assessment: This is a brilliant and extensive effort at explaining the science behind many common correct and incorrect horsemanship and training techniques. The first half on the science of behavior and learning theory will not be for all readers, but for those who persist, it builds the foundation for the second half where misbehaviors are dealt with from a scientific standpoint. This is an excellent addition to the scientific behavioral literature.

Doody's Review Service