Show Notes
In this episode, we break down Learning Theory, what it is, why it matters, and how it shows up every day in our interactions with horses (whether we realise it or not). We explore the core principles behind how animals learn, including reinforcement, punishment, shaping behaviour, and emotional associations. Most importantly, we talk about how understanding these concepts can make us clearer, kinder, and more effective in our training. If you’ve ever wondered why a behaviour happens, why som...
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Gastric ulcers are one of the first things many horse owners think of when a horse’s behaviour changes, but can all behavioural problems really be blamed on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome? In this episode, Barbara and Jen are joined by equine internal medicine specialists Dr Ben Sykes and Dr Amy Lovett to explore the complicated relationship between gastric disease, pain and behaviour in horses. Ben has an extensive clinical and research background in equine gastroenterology and Equine Gastric...
We’re back with Ella Bradshaw-Wiley, Associate Lecturer in Equine Science at Charles Sturt University, for Part Two of our conversation around her paper, 'Combined reinforcement: Poisoned cue or a panacea for modern equine training? A narrative review.' Ella's research focuses on equine behaviour, learning and welfare, with her current work exploring combined reinforcement and its potential influence on learning, behaviour, safety and the horse-human relationship. In Part Two, we head straigh...
This week we are joined by Ella Bradshaw-Wiley, Associate Lecturer in Equine Science at Charles Sturt University in Australia, for the first of a two-part conversation inspired by her paper, 'Combined reinforcement: Poisoned cue or a panacea for modern equine training? A narrative review.' Ella grew up around Thoroughbred breeding and is a passionate Thoroughbred retrainer, but her interest in understanding why horses behave and learn the way they do led her into equine science. Her work now ...
This week, we are delighted to welcome Isabelle D’Costa, MSc, PAS, founder of Honos Nutrition Co. Izzy is an equine nutritionist and Professional Animal Scientist whose work combines evidence-based nutrition with a practical, individual approach to each horse. Across this two-part conversation, Izzy joins us from Canada 🍁 for a two-part conversation about the complicated relationship between nutrition and behaviour, helping us revisit our previous calming-supplements episode, right a fe...
This week, we are delighted to welcome Isabelle D’Costa, MSc, PAS, founder of Honos Nutrition Co. Izzy is an equine nutritionist and Professional Animal Scientist whose work combines evidence-based nutrition with a practical, individual approach to each horse. Across this two-part conversation, Izzy joins us from Canada 🍁 for a two-part conversation about the complicated relationship between nutrition and behaviour, helping us revisit our previous calming-supplements episode, right a fe...