Ep # 63, Tami Elkayam, TALKING ABOUT HORSES - backing horses up, a professional disagreement
Talking About HorsesShow Notes
In this episode, Patrick King and Tammy Elkayam explore differing perspectives on the effectiveness of backing a horse up, the significance of proper execution, and the potential physical and emotional impacts on horses. Through their dialogue, they emphasize the need for professional collaboration and the importance of setting horses up for success in their training and care. They delve into the intricacies of horse training, focusing on the importance of balance, posture, and the physical capabilities of horses. They stress the necessity of mindful training techniques that prioritize the horse's well-being, and the importance of communication between horse and rider. The dialogue emphasizes the need for riders to inspire their horses rather than force them, highlighting the significance of understanding the horse's body and emotional state. The conversation also touches on the challenges of miscommunication in the equestrian world. Throughout, they emphasize the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and the learning process in horses, as well as in riders.
More from Talking About Horses
In this episode of the Talking About Horses podcast, Patrick King welcomes back neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Peters to explore the biological intersection of horse training and brain science. The conversation dives deep into the concept of allostasis—the horse's ability to adapt to arousal during learning—and emphasizes why "rest and digest" periods are neurochemically essential for consolidating new information. Dr. Peters explains how handlers can move beyond just "shaping behaviors" to effectively "reshaping the brain" by understanding nervous system states, utilizing the power of the pause, and providing horses with agency to create lasting, positive habits.
In this episode of Talking About Horses, Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuroscientist and horseman, discusses the intricate relationship between horse behavior and brain science. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the horse's brain to improve communication and training methods. Dr. Peters explains concepts such as sympathetic arousal, myelination, and the impact of trauma on horses. He advocates for a more evidence-based approach to horsemanship, encouraging riders to foster curiosity in their horses and to recognize the significance of resetting the nervous system for effective learning. The conversation also touches on the future of equine neuroscience and the potential for technology to enhance our understanding of horse behavior.