
Sometimes it seems as though there's a bit of a disconnect between the study of equitation science and its practice. Looking through some of the research papers it's easy to wonder how this stuff applies to me, giving the fifth lesson of the day and with four horses still to ride. Science is great but practical, real-world solutions are even better. That's why Dr Andrew McLean's work on overshadowing was so amazing – it instantly gave those of us at the coal face something we could work with, something that made our jobs easier and safer. Well, here's another bit of research that is just as useful and just as easy to apply. Dr Andrew McLean and Professor Paul McGreevy have developed ten rules that apply to all good horse training, regardless of discipline. You probably already use them without even knowing it because it doesn't matter what kind of riding you do or what kind of horse you ride, these rules will make your training time more productive and ethical.
1) The horse's brain is very different from ours. His memory, senses and way of learning are very different too. Understand these differences and always remember them when training.
2) Know how training works. Understand the most important scientific principles, in particular – operant conditioning, habituation, shaping and classical conditioning.
1) The horse's brain is very different from ours. His memory, senses and way of learning are very different too. Understand these differences and always remember them when training.
2) Know how training works. Understand the most important scientific principles, in particular – operant conditioning, habituation, shaping and classical conditioning.
3) Every signal (also known as an aid or cue) that you use in training should be different and distinct so that there is no confusion for the horse. For example, the signal you use for turn should be easily distinguished from the signal for go and the signal for stop.
4) Don't have unrealistic expectations when you are first training responses. Reward small improvements and understand that the shaping process takes time.
5) Horses can't do two things at once so only ever ask for one response at a time. For example, don't ask for stop and go at the same time because this is impossible for the horse and causes stress.
6) Each signal should produce only one response. For example, pressure on both reins should only ever cause the horse to slow his legs.
7) Be consistent with your horse at all times, both on the ground and under saddle. Be clear about what it is that you want him to do so that he develops consistent habits. Don't change the rules!
8) Make self carriage a priority every day and at every stage of training.
9) Learn what the flight response looks like. Understand that it is a problem and learn how to control it during training.
10) Having a calm and obedient horse should be your ultimate goal at all times. If your horse displays the flight response at any time during training you need to change what you are doing.
4) Don't have unrealistic expectations when you are first training responses. Reward small improvements and understand that the shaping process takes time.
5) Horses can't do two things at once so only ever ask for one response at a time. For example, don't ask for stop and go at the same time because this is impossible for the horse and causes stress.
6) Each signal should produce only one response. For example, pressure on both reins should only ever cause the horse to slow his legs.
7) Be consistent with your horse at all times, both on the ground and under saddle. Be clear about what it is that you want him to do so that he develops consistent habits. Don't change the rules!
8) Make self carriage a priority every day and at every stage of training.
9) Learn what the flight response looks like. Understand that it is a problem and learn how to control it during training.
10) Having a calm and obedient horse should be your ultimate goal at all times. If your horse displays the flight response at any time during training you need to change what you are doing.