What Actually Is “Ethical” Horse Breeding?
“Ethical breeding” is a phrase that’s widely used, but rarely clearly defined. In practice, many breeding decisions are still driven by market trends, aesthetics, or tradition rather than welfare, long-term soundness, or the future quality of life of the horse itself (McGreevy & McLean, 2010). Ethical horse breeding is not about producing more horses. It […]
Advocating for Your Horse When Working With Service Providers
When you practise reward-based (R+) horsemanship, your training methods, your expectations, and the way you want your horse handled can look very different from traditional approaches. While many owners are shifting toward kinder, science-backed handling, not all equine service providers—like farriers, vets, bodyworkers, or dental technicians – are used to working with R+ trained horses. […]
Dominance Theory Is Dead: What Modern Science Says About Horse Behaviour
For decades, horse training was built on the idea that horses are always trying to climb a social ladder – and that humans must act as the “alpha,” “lead mare,” or dominant persona to earn respect. But research and science have made one thing very clear: Dominance theory is outdated, inaccurate, and often harmful to […]
10 Signs Your Horse Might Be in Pain (and Not Just Naughty)
When a horse bucks, refuses jumps, or pins their ears, the first thought many riders have is: “My horse is being naughty.”But what if that behaviour is actually your horse’s way of saying, “I’m in pain”? Horses are prey animals, and their natural instinct is to hide discomfort. That means pain often shows up as […]
Species-Appropriate Living: The Foundation of a Happy, Healthy Horse
When we think of horse welfare, many of us picture shiny coats, clean stables, and good nutrition. But true welfare starts much deeper – with how a horse lives every day. What Is “Species-Appropriate Living”? Species-appropriate living means allowing horses to live in ways that reflect their evolutionary design. Horses are herd-dwelling grazers who move […]
Why Your Horse Might Need an Animal Behaviourist
When your horse shows signs of stress, unwanted behaviours, or difficulties under saddle, it can be frustrating and worrying. This is where an equine behaviourist can make all the difference. Animal behaviourists specialise in understanding the why behind a horse’s actions, helping you and your horse build trust, improve communication, and overcome challenges. What Is […]
Horses Who Bite: Understanding and Preventing the Behaviour
Biting in horses can be worrying, painful, and even dangerous. Whether it’s a playful nip, a warning, or a defensive bite, understanding why horses bite is the first step to addressing the behaviour in a kind and effective way. Why Do Horses Bite? Horses rarely bite “just because.” And definitely not for the sake of […]
Trailer-Loading Made Easy: Why Positive Reinforcement Works
For many horse owners, trailer-loading can be one of the most stressful parts of horse ownership. Horses that refuse to load, panic inside the trailer, or rush out dangerously can make the process overwhelming and unsafe. The good news? Positive reinforcement training offers a proven, horse-friendly solution. Why Trailer-Loading Is So Difficult for Horses To […]
Why Horses Spook: Understanding Fear & Building Confidence
If you’ve spent time around horses, you’ve likely experienced a sudden sideways leap, a startled snort, or a spin when your horse spooks. “Spooking” is a natural survival mechanism for prey animals like horses, but it can be frustrating and even dangerous. Understanding why horses spook and using gentle, thoughtful training can make all […]
Debunking the “Alpha Mare” Myth
The term “alpha mare” often gets tossed around to describe a dominant, bossy, or “mareish” horse who seems to be in charge. While it’s a catchy phrase, it’s based more on human misunderstanding than actual equine science. Let’s explore why the “alpha” idea doesn’t hold up – and what’s really going on in the herd. […]