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As part of the AEBC's commitment to scientific study of equine behaviour, training and ethology it is providing the facilities to perform a comprehensive study into equitation science.  The researcher is PhD candidate Dr. Lesley Hawson and the research is being supervised by Dr. Paul McGreevy from University of Sydney and Dr. Andrew McLean of the AEBC.

This multidisciplinary collaborative project addresses the urgent need for a scientific approach to training the ridden horse to enhance the welfare of horse and rider safety.  There are thought to be up to 1.5 million horses in Australia and the horse industry is estimated to contribute over $6.2 billion a year to the Australian economy (AIHC 2000).  Horse riding at its most humane relies on subtle interactions between horse and humans (McGreevy, 2002).  Humans have a profound influence on the behaviour and welfare of horses, in-hand and under-saddle through riding with stimuli from their hands on the reins and their legs on the sides of the horse and, more discreetly, with the use of their seat, weight position and movement (McGreevy 2004).  Contradictory training and inexpert riding makes for a confused and dangerous horse.  Previous studies indicate that behavioural problems account for up to 66% of euthanasia in young horses (Odberg and Bouissou, 1999).

Horses, like all animals, learn most effectively when training methods are appropriate to their cognitive ability and ethology and based on a valid interpretation of learning theory (McGreevy and McLean, 2007).  Operant conditioning is a fundamental of learning theory that involves presenting or omitting some reward or punishment when an animal makes an appropriate response.  Effective riding involves the correct application of negative reinforcement (removal of pressure when the animal behaviours appropriately) and the subsequent transfer of stimulus control to various classically conditioned cues (such as those coming from the seat). Inappropriate training practices can have a negative impact on the horse's welfare and lead to conflict behaviours that jeopardise the safety of riders and handlers.

Equitation has, to date, relied upon subjective assessments of the dynamics between horse and their riders.  This is growing evidence that there is a gap in the knowledge of professional equestrian coaches and that equitation is lagging behind other human-animal interfaces.  A recent study indicates that Australian equestrian coaches are inconsistent into the way in which they define and report  the use of training interventions (Warren-Smith and McGreevy, 2008).

Equitation science is the measurement and interpretations of interactions between horse and their riders.  This project will use equitation science to reappraise the ways in which riding horses are trained.

This project aims to:

Identify, measure and codify the nature of the learning process in the horse and in particular the shift from operant conditioning to classical conditioning through a longitudinal study of horses in foundation training.

Identify, measure and codify the normal range of stimuli used in equitation by measuring a range of rider and horse combinations.

Identify, measure and codify the practices of elite equestrian athletes by measuring these athletes interactions with their mounts.

Develop a set of recommendations for the application of learning theory in equitation that can be disseminated by national and international peak bodies to their members, coaches and judges, and the broadest possible audience via the unique education platforms available through the Partner Organisations.

Develop and validate an innovative package of training tools for coaches that combine advances in sport measurement technology with learning theory for the careful objective evaluation of training methods that will ultimately improve welfare of horses and enjoyment of riders.

Explore the physiological consequence of current industry standard pressures as applied horses' mouths.

The project has triggered a unique collaboration by nine stakeholders: Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI, horse sports governing body globally), the EFA, the Biomechanics Unit at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC), the Horse Council of South Australia, Bates Australia, (one of the world's leading saddlers), Hoofbeats and The Horse Magazine (THM) (Australia's foremost equestrian magazines) and our major funding body, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

We will shortly be asking for volunteer horses and riders to participate in this exciting project, if you are local to the AEBC and would like to register your interest please email enquiries@aebc.com.au and WATCH THIS SPACE.

REFERENCES

McGreevy, P.D., McLean, A.N., 2007. Roles of learning theory and ethology in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 2, 108-118.

Odberg, F.O., Bouissou, M.F., 1999. The development of equestrianism from the baroque period to the present day and its consequences for the welfare of horses. Equine Vet J Suppl, 26-30.

Warren-Smith, A.K., McGreevy, P.D., 2008. Equestrian coaches' understanding and application of learning theory in horse training. Anthrozoos 21, 153-162.