EQUINE BEHAVIOURIST
THE STUDY
The study of equine behaviour is a fascinating, and evolving science. Never in history has so much effort been applied to understanding the horse, and their relationship with us. Behaviour, in whatever species, is always going to excite debate. Schools of thought clashing against other schools of thought. I have closely studied many forms of horsemanship, and I have found wonderful people and methods in all. I have taken all that I have learned, and allowed the knowledge to settle in my mind.
WHAT'S IN A NAME
You can look for an equine behaviourist, a horse whisperer, a remedial horseman, the list goes on, and each school has a favourite.
Basically we are all horsemen and women.
Methods can vary enormously, but our objectives should all be to help without violence and pain.
WE ARE ALL UNIQUE, AND SO ARE OUR PROBLEMS
Each of us is special and unique, whether human or equine, so no one school of thought fits all. If the only way I can help, is to bring an understanding of what the horse is saying and feeling, and teaching horse and owner to communicate with each other, I will have helped to bring peace to chaos.
ASKING FOR HELP
It's difficult for people to ask for help, usually leaving it till the situation becomes dangerous. It's part of our nature to keep going, doing the same thing, the same way, only harder, and being frustrated when we get the same results, only more extreme.
INVOLVING OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Often, when I am called out, the presenting problem is a symptom of an issue elsewhere. I will go through a gentle process with the owner and horse of peeling back the layers, till we find the source. Together we work out the best way forward.
Firstly and foremost, I have to establish if pain is the source. I can advise on qualified professionals that should be involved in the process.
THE MAGIC IS IN THE MIX
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
It's a surprise to me, that some of the most distressing issues can be resolved in one visit. A misunderstanding between what we think we're saying to the horse, and what the horse is hearing. Some issues are more complicated, and need a deeper understanding, more work and a longer journey. Don't despair though, often the journey is most wonderful part, as your relationship deepens, and trust is earned.
LANGUAGE
It's simple, we don't speak horse, and horses don't speak human. We both have to learn. If you desire a deep understanding with your horse, it makes sense that a two way conversation is crucial. Horsemasters instinctively communicate, but might struggled to effectively explain why. I can act as a translator, and teacher. It is an important tool to have, if not the foundation to a deep effective relationship.
ENERGY
This is an enormous subject, which I intend only to touch on here. The energy that we bring to a highly tuned sentient creature like a horse, can, and does change everything. We are rarely aware of who we are. We aren't taught to be self aware, its not a criticism, just an observation. Horses will respond immediately to energy. Being aware is important, and having help to see what the interaction is can stop misunderstandings in the future.
BODY LANGUAGE
Horses communicate in the main, by body language. We use the same body language to say very different things. Imagine being in a closed room with a person who doesn't speak a single word of English. You don't speak a word of theirs, and to make it harder, you come from entirely alien cultures. There is no point in asking a question, and when you don't get an understandable answer, ask again, only louder. Eventually, one of you is going to turn your face to the wall while the other does a lot of shouting. Not always of course, but you get my point.
The study of equine behaviour is a fascinating, and evolving science. Never in history has so much effort been applied to understanding the horse, and their relationship with us. Behaviour, in whatever species, is always going to excite debate. Schools of thought clashing against other schools of thought. I have closely studied many forms of horsemanship, and I have found wonderful people and methods in all. I have taken all that I have learned, and allowed the knowledge to settle in my mind.
WHAT'S IN A NAME
You can look for an equine behaviourist, a horse whisperer, a remedial horseman, the list goes on, and each school has a favourite.
Basically we are all horsemen and women.
Methods can vary enormously, but our objectives should all be to help without violence and pain.
WE ARE ALL UNIQUE, AND SO ARE OUR PROBLEMS
Each of us is special and unique, whether human or equine, so no one school of thought fits all. If the only way I can help, is to bring an understanding of what the horse is saying and feeling, and teaching horse and owner to communicate with each other, I will have helped to bring peace to chaos.
ASKING FOR HELP
It's difficult for people to ask for help, usually leaving it till the situation becomes dangerous. It's part of our nature to keep going, doing the same thing, the same way, only harder, and being frustrated when we get the same results, only more extreme.
INVOLVING OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Often, when I am called out, the presenting problem is a symptom of an issue elsewhere. I will go through a gentle process with the owner and horse of peeling back the layers, till we find the source. Together we work out the best way forward.
Firstly and foremost, I have to establish if pain is the source. I can advise on qualified professionals that should be involved in the process.
THE MAGIC IS IN THE MIX
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
It's a surprise to me, that some of the most distressing issues can be resolved in one visit. A misunderstanding between what we think we're saying to the horse, and what the horse is hearing. Some issues are more complicated, and need a deeper understanding, more work and a longer journey. Don't despair though, often the journey is most wonderful part, as your relationship deepens, and trust is earned.
LANGUAGE
It's simple, we don't speak horse, and horses don't speak human. We both have to learn. If you desire a deep understanding with your horse, it makes sense that a two way conversation is crucial. Horsemasters instinctively communicate, but might struggled to effectively explain why. I can act as a translator, and teacher. It is an important tool to have, if not the foundation to a deep effective relationship.
ENERGY
This is an enormous subject, which I intend only to touch on here. The energy that we bring to a highly tuned sentient creature like a horse, can, and does change everything. We are rarely aware of who we are. We aren't taught to be self aware, its not a criticism, just an observation. Horses will respond immediately to energy. Being aware is important, and having help to see what the interaction is can stop misunderstandings in the future.
BODY LANGUAGE
Horses communicate in the main, by body language. We use the same body language to say very different things. Imagine being in a closed room with a person who doesn't speak a single word of English. You don't speak a word of theirs, and to make it harder, you come from entirely alien cultures. There is no point in asking a question, and when you don't get an understandable answer, ask again, only louder. Eventually, one of you is going to turn your face to the wall while the other does a lot of shouting. Not always of course, but you get my point.
INFLUENCES
Bozena, Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks. Science Trials 2009
MONTY ROBERTS AND KELLY MARKS
I have studied with Kelly Marks and her team and helped out at the science trials, training courses and exhibitions. I am privileged to have been taught so much in the progressive art of Intelligent Horsemanship, and I often use 'Join up' and the language of 'Equis' as is taught by Monty Roberts. Watching Monty Roberts working with many varied and interesting cases has left me with a very healthy respect for his methods. I admire his mission to leave to world a better place for horses, and in my own small way, I hope to help in that mission.
THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
I owned and ran a BHS Approved livery yard. I have had NVQ trainees doing their levels here, an affiliated BHS qualification. The BHS have worked hard to promote equine welfare and they have been the Standard for equine care for many generations. They are highly professional, and their methods have been tried and tested by many, for many years, and their emphasis on keeping horses and riders safe is unparalleled. Without the BHS, I wouldn't have as deep an understanding of safe and practical methods of horse handling.
SCIENCE
I have studied Equine Behaviour from a scientific perspective. On going research, and a wealth of information drawn from trials already completed, has answered so many questions we had from the past. Work on Stereotypical Behaviour,the effects of stress and ways of monitoring it efficiently using markers like heart rate, chemical production and closely observed physical responses. Trials that have been run on correct experimentation parameters have helped dispel long held inaccurate beliefs, and reinforced other good practises. The relatively young, yet vigorous Science of Animal Behaviour is an invaluable tool for the hands on horse worker. It's study has been most helpful in giving me dependable evidence to back up my methods, as opposed to word of mouth or traditional practices
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I don't pretend to be a replacement for this world class horseman and woman. Their life journeys have given them a greater experience, and that is to be respected. My journey has been closer to the world of horses as companions, and my studies are more focused on the relationships between horses and owners where they are one to one.
EQUINE HUSBANDRY
Another area of great interest to me is the study of how to provide an environment where our horses can live the best life, within the restrictions of yards, studs and farms. Understanding the causes of stress, stereotypical behaviour, socialisation issues etc and developing a workable solution to alleviate husbandry induced behaviour problems
I have studied with Kelly Marks and her team and helped out at the science trials, training courses and exhibitions. I am privileged to have been taught so much in the progressive art of Intelligent Horsemanship, and I often use 'Join up' and the language of 'Equis' as is taught by Monty Roberts. Watching Monty Roberts working with many varied and interesting cases has left me with a very healthy respect for his methods. I admire his mission to leave to world a better place for horses, and in my own small way, I hope to help in that mission.
THE BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY
I owned and ran a BHS Approved livery yard. I have had NVQ trainees doing their levels here, an affiliated BHS qualification. The BHS have worked hard to promote equine welfare and they have been the Standard for equine care for many generations. They are highly professional, and their methods have been tried and tested by many, for many years, and their emphasis on keeping horses and riders safe is unparalleled. Without the BHS, I wouldn't have as deep an understanding of safe and practical methods of horse handling.
SCIENCE
I have studied Equine Behaviour from a scientific perspective. On going research, and a wealth of information drawn from trials already completed, has answered so many questions we had from the past. Work on Stereotypical Behaviour,the effects of stress and ways of monitoring it efficiently using markers like heart rate, chemical production and closely observed physical responses. Trials that have been run on correct experimentation parameters have helped dispel long held inaccurate beliefs, and reinforced other good practises. The relatively young, yet vigorous Science of Animal Behaviour is an invaluable tool for the hands on horse worker. It's study has been most helpful in giving me dependable evidence to back up my methods, as opposed to word of mouth or traditional practices
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I don't pretend to be a replacement for this world class horseman and woman. Their life journeys have given them a greater experience, and that is to be respected. My journey has been closer to the world of horses as companions, and my studies are more focused on the relationships between horses and owners where they are one to one.
EQUINE HUSBANDRY
Another area of great interest to me is the study of how to provide an environment where our horses can live the best life, within the restrictions of yards, studs and farms. Understanding the causes of stress, stereotypical behaviour, socialisation issues etc and developing a workable solution to alleviate husbandry induced behaviour problems
HOW CAN I HELP?
CONTACT ME
First of all, you can call or write to me with your areas of concern. I love hearing from you, so please don't feel embarrassed to call. It might feel silly, or you don't know if your problem is behavioural or not.
ASSESSMENT
It's usually the for the best if I can come out to assess the situation. Sometimes the presenting problem isn't the source, and I can get a real look at all aspects of the horse face to face. A video of the issue is of enormous help.
LIVERY
I am happy to take in horses for assessment and rehabilitation. I own and run a BHS APPROVED LIVERY YARD. Please go to the livery page for prices and maps etc.
COST
I charge £40 an hour plus mileage.
First of all, you can call or write to me with your areas of concern. I love hearing from you, so please don't feel embarrassed to call. It might feel silly, or you don't know if your problem is behavioural or not.
ASSESSMENT
It's usually the for the best if I can come out to assess the situation. Sometimes the presenting problem isn't the source, and I can get a real look at all aspects of the horse face to face. A video of the issue is of enormous help.
LIVERY
I am happy to take in horses for assessment and rehabilitation. I own and run a BHS APPROVED LIVERY YARD. Please go to the livery page for prices and maps etc.
COST
I charge £40 an hour plus mileage.