Links
Articles
Articles by equine behaviour scientist Dr Andrew McLean (Australian Equine Behaviour Centre)
The Horse magazine (look for the Articles and Clinics link)
Publications (other than books):
Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Horses – New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ code of animal welfare No. 7.
New Zealand Equine Research Foundation, includes some excellent downloadable publications.
Well-researched and presented information Sustainable Dressage by dressage rider Theresa Sandin makes thought-provoking reading.
Horses for Life on-line magazine – with free and paid-subscription articles, a strong interest in classical and welfare issues and well thought-out discussions.
Important welfare sites:
Wellington Feed Suppliers:
New Zealand shopping:
That Horse – a great NZ website – buy and sell horses and gear, bursting with helpful information!
Developed by Jennifer Howard, this revolutionary rein contact education tool measures degree of rein pressure a rider is using, and issues feedback straight to coach and the rider. This is an informative way to measure what is difficult to assess visually (even dressage judges get this wrong in scientific trials!)
New Zealand based coaches:
Equine Positive Learning is an equine based company providing multiple services and products to equestrians and coaches nationwide in New Zealand and overseas.
Jeanette Garrett B.H.S.I. ESNZ Performance Coach and Coach Educator principal of the company coaches in dressage, show jumping, cross country/eventing; horsemanship and handling, teaches riding teachers and those in the equine industry, including equestrian coaching training and assessment, acts as a coach mentor, and offers a range of distance courses.
Here is some recommended reading:
The Truth About Horses by Andrew McLean, I think it is compulsory reading for all horse riders, trainers and handlers – the background to how horses learn, correct application of pressure/release, how human reasoning causes problems in horse training; the ideal starting point for understanding how horses learn and the application of learning theory.
Academic Equitation by General Decarpentry. Thankfully Nicole Bartle had the patience and knowledge to translate this text from French. In this book Decarpentry analyzes the methods of those considered ‘masters’ of the time.
The Complete Training of Horse and Rider In the Principles of Classical Horsemanship by Alois Podhajsky, former Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. An old favourite. Some concepts are improved somewhat today, but that does not detract from the value of the book.
Equine Behaviour, a guide for veterinarians and equine scientists. Highly recommended, accessible information by renowned Australian scientist Paul McGreevy.
Xenophon The Art of Horsemanship, translated by M.H. Morgan. This classic stands alone as the earliest known work on the horse and riding. Written 23 centuries ago, it is beautiful in its essence and the kindness and understanding one should bestow upon a horse whilst training or handling him.
Equine Behaviour Forum (UK) booklist
The Domestic Horse, the Evolution, Development and Management of its Behaviour, edited by Daniel Mills and Sue McDonnell. A collection of recent scientific knowledge written by a range of experts in their fields – such as domestication & early history, behavioural ecology of feral horses, training & behavioural problems.
Tug of War: Classical Versus “Modern” Dressage: Why Classical Training Works and How Incorrect “Modern” Riding Negatively Affects Horses’ Health – Gerd Heuschmann The book to be read if you ride any of the Olympic disciplines – no matter what level you ride at. Explains the effects on the horse of a heavy, tight rein, and how horse health is compromised by some riding techniques.