“Does Dominance Theory Still Hold Up in Modern Horse Training?”
Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the MiddleShow Notes
In this episode we dive into the controversial and widely debated topic of dominance theory. Is it still relevant, or has modern behavioural science moved on? We chat about what dominance theory actually is, how it came to influence horse training, and why it continues to spark disagreement today. Join us as we explore what the latest research says, how dominance-based approaches compare with evidence-based, ethical training methods, and the real impact this has on horse welfare and human–hor...
More from Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle
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...