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Equine behavioural science: perspectives on problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

H. Randle
H. Randle*
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, U.K.hrandle@plymouth.ac.uk
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Extract

It is crucial to emphasise the importance of a sound scientific underpinning in the tackling of equine problems and regulation of those who treat equines. It is becoming increasingly common for two types of ‘practitioner’ to be consulted by owners of horses experiencing some kind of behavioural problem, namely Horse Whisperers (HWs) and Horse Behaviour Advisors (HBAs).

Throughout this paper HWs are considered to be those who can ‘communicate with an equine, in a para–normal, gifted manner’, whilst HBAs are considered to be those who ‘advise on horse behaviour, especially problem behaviour’. The commonly used term ‘Horse Behaviourist’ has deliberately not been used as it is technically incorrect. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of psychology and learning theory will know that behaviourists are proponents of ‘behaviourism’ – a particular way of explaining learning. It is not a generic term referring to the study of animal behaviour – that is ‘ethology’. Worryingly today the term ‘ethology’ is being employed as a marketing tool.

Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 35: Applying Equine Science: Research into Business , 2006 , pp. 109 - 127
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2006

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