As the founder of Equine Partnership, my work as an equine behaviour-based trainer is deeply rooted in the belief that our interactions with horses should be just that – partnerships. I often get asked about my approach, and the answer, in short, is that I’m wholeheartedly positive about it – not just in the methods I use, but in the entire philosophy that underpins how we connect with and teach these magnificent animals. My optimism stems from a deep belief in the horse’s capacity to learn and thrive when we, as humans, take responsibility for nurturing a true partnership.
At the heart of Equine Partnership lies a commitment to the Five Freedoms. These freedoms – freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress, aren’t just aspirational goals; they are the bedrock of ethical and effective partnership.
My approach also revolves around what I consider the essential triad: environment, health, and trainer. These three elements are inextricably linked in fostering a strong equine partnership. A horse living in an enriched and stimulating environment, receiving optimal health care, and being guided by a knowledgeable and empathetic trainer is a horse set up for success in our shared endeavours. When challenges arise, I look first to these three areas. Is the environment conducive to the desired behaviour within our partnership? Are there any underlying health issues impacting our ability to connect? And crucially, as the trainer and your partner in this relationship, am I communicating clearly and setting the horse up for success?
This leads me to the cornerstone of behaviour-based training: the stages of learning and the principle of LIMA – Least Invasive Minimally Aversive. This isn’t just a catchy acronym; it’s a guiding ethical principle that underpins every equine partnership I strive to build. It means that when teaching a new behaviour or addressing a problematic one, we always start with the least intrusive and aversive methods. Our first instinct isn’t to escalate pressure, but to consider the horse’s perspective, understand the potential function of the behaviour within our dynamic, and explore positive reinforcement strategies that strengthen our bond.
This “flipping of the demand” – as I like to think of it – is what makes me so positive about this approach and about the potential for genuine equine partnerships. Instead of placing the onus solely on the horse to understand and comply, we, as humans, take on the responsibility of being excellent teachers and reliable partners. We become detectives, seeking to understand why a horse might not be responding as we’d hoped within our partnership. Is the cue unclear in our communication? Is the reward not motivating for them in our shared work? Is there an underlying fear or anxiety hindering our connection? By asking these questions and observing the horse’s responses with an open mind, we can tailor our approach to their individual needs and learning style, fostering a deeper understanding and trust that is the foundation of any strong partnership.
The scientific basis for this approach is robust. Research in animal learning has consistently demonstrated the power of positive reinforcement in building strong and reliable behaviours while minimizing stress and promoting positive welfare (e.g., Domjan, 2010). Furthermore, studies on stress in horses have highlighted the negative impacts of aversive training methods on their physical and psychological well-being (e.g., McGreevy & McLean, 2010). Organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) champion these ethical and scientifically sound methods, providing valuable resources and upholding high standards within the industry, all in the pursuit of better human-animal partnerships.
Being a positive horse trainer and building true equine partnerships isn’t about being permissive or lacking boundaries. It’s about being thoughtful, informed, and respectful. It’s about understanding that our horses are sentient beings with their own experiences and perspectives, and that a partnership requires mutual understanding and consideration. By prioritising their well-being, focusing on clear communication, and utilizing the least invasive and minimally aversive methods, we not only achieve our training goals but also build a stronger, more trusting partnership with these incredible animals. And that, for me and for Equine Partnership, is something to be truly positive about.
Thanks for reading.
Hoping your journey together as an Equine Partnership is always bridled with happiness!
References
- Domjan, M. (2010). The principles of learning and behavior (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Equine behavior: A guide for veterinarians and equine scientists (2nd ed.). Saunders Elsevier.
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) https://iaabcfoundation.org/
- Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) https://abtc.org.uk/
