Question Everything: Equestrian Podcast

In this episode, we explore the distinction between compliance and willingness in the horse–human relationship. Here we discuss learned helplessness, latency and behavioral enthusiasm, stress physiology, emotional engagement during training, and what willingness may look like behaviorally. Outward obedience does not always reflect the horse’s internal emotional experience and invites listeners to observe training interactions with greater curiosity and nuance.Sources & Further ReadingsLearned Helplessness & Animal BehaviorSeligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23, 407–412. Hall, C., Goodwin, D., Heleski, C., Randle, H., & Waran, N. (2008). Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 11(3), 249–266. Stress Physiology & WelfareChristensen, J. W., et al. (2006). Effects of training methods on stress responses in horses. Physiology & Behavior, 89(4), 489–497. von Lewinski, M., et al. (2013). Cortisol release, heart rate, and behavior during horse training. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(6), 401–407. Equitation Science & Learning TheoryMcGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell. McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2007). The role of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118. Positive Engagement & Human InteractionSankey, C., et al. (2010). Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses. Animal Behaviour, 79(4), 869–875.

This episode explores how trust is shaped through predictability, consistency, and emotional regulation, drawing from both equine behavior research and human relationship psychology.

Sources and Further Readings

Equine Behavior & Predictability

Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008).A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015

Sankey, C., Richard-Yris, M. A., Henry, S., Fureix, C., & Hausberger, M. (2010).Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses. Animal Behaviour, 79(4), 869–875.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.12.037

Stress, Learning, and Consistency

McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2007).Roles of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118.

McLean, A. N. (2005).The positive aspects of correct negative reinforcement. Anthrozoös, 18(3), 245–254.

Schmidt, A., et al. (2010).Cortisol release, heart rate, and heart rate variability in horses. Hormones and Behavior, 57(3), 319–325.

Emotional Regulation & Relationship Psychology

Gross, J. J. (1998).The emerging field of emotion regulation. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 271–299.

Gottman, J. M. (1999).The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.(Concept of repair attempts and relationship stability)

Siegel, D. J. (2012).The Developing Mind.(Relational regulation and interpersonal neurobiology)

Learning & Behavior Interpretation

Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015).What can inactivity (in horses) tell us about welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.

This episode explores the concept of ownership and partnership through both equine science and human relationship psychology, examining how power, dependency, and learning shape the horse-human relationship.

Sources & Further Readings

Equine Behavior & Welfare

Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008).A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015

Sankey, C., Richard-Yris, M. A., Henry, S., Fureix, C., Nassur, F., & Hausberger, M. (2010). Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses. Animal Cognition, 13(5), 753–764.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-010-0326-9

Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015).What can inactivity (in horses) tell us about welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.016

Stress & Physiological Indicators

Visser, E. K., et al. (2002).Heart rate and heart rate variability during a novel object test and handling in young horses. Physiology & Behavior, 76(2), 289–296.

Schmidt, A., et al. (2010).Cortisol release, heart rate, and heart rate variability in horses. Hormones and Behavior, 57(3), 319–325.

Learning Theory & Training

McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2010).Ethology and learning theory in horse training. In Equitation Science.

McGreevy, P., & McLean, A. (2007).Roles of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118.

Human Relationship Psychology

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000).Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.(Discusses autonomy, competence, and relatedness in relationships)

Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007).Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change.(Explores security, responsiveness, and relational safety)

In this episode, Veronica explores the definition of "horsemanship". What is the historical definition versus the definition given by industry traditions? How much of defining horsemanship is relationship based versus skill based? Have we drifted from its original meaning and can we circle it back? Just another topic to question on the "Question Everything" Equestrian Podcast.

Sources and Further Readings

Historical Foundations

Xenophon. (c. 350 BCE/1925). On horsemanship. (E. C. Marchant, Trans.). Harvard University Press. (Original work written ca. 350 BCE).

— Early instructional text emphasizing gentle handling, trust, and partnership even within a military context.

Equine Science & Learning Theory

McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2007). Roles of learning theory and ethology in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118.

— Discusses how misunderstanding learning theory contributes to conflict behaviors in horses.

McLean, A. N., & Christensen, J. W. (2017). The application of learning theory in horse training. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 190, 18–27.

— Explains pressure-release training, reinforcement, and the ethical implications of correct timing and consistency.

Sankey, C., Henry, S., André, N., Richard-Yris, M.-A., & Hausberger, M. (2010). Do horses have a concept of person? Behavioural Processes, 86(2), 153–157.

— Demonstrates that horses recognize and differentiate humans based on previous interactions.

Sankey, C., Henry, S., Clouard, C., Richard-Yris, M.-A., & Hausberger, M. (2011). Asymmetry of behavioral responses to a human: Discrimination and memory of individuals in horses. Animal Cognition, 14, 339–347.

— Shows horses remember positive vs. negative handling experiences.

Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008). A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.

— Comprehensive review of how handling styles shape equine stress and behavior.Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015). What can inactivity (and depression-like states) tell us about welfare in domestic horses? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.

— Links behavioral shutdown and learned helplessness to welfare concerns.

Psychology of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships

Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books.

— Foundational attachment theory explaining trust, safety, and emotional security in relationships.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.

— Self-Determination Theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness as pillars of healthy relationships.

Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.

— Explores connection and belonging as central to well-being.

Ethical Framing of Horsemanship

International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). (2018). First principles of horse training.

— Evidence-based guidelines for ethical, science-informed training practices.

Welcome to Horsemanship Unlocked's Question Everything: Equestrian Podcast. In this trailer, meet Veronica and explore her journey from traditional horsemanship to science-based training. This podcast looks at horse training, behavior, and welfare through curiosity, observation, and better questions, inviting thoughtful, nonjudgmental conversations about the horse-human relationship.

The patriarchy not only takes form in politics but also in the horse world. Big name trainers are predominantly men while mostly women occupy facilities at the local level. Even in equestrian circus arts women are capped at their physical strength while men have no limits. As a cis woman who rode in jeans and performed "masculine" tricks, here are some of my stories and some ideas to fight the patriarchy in the horse industry. Support women in business; vets, farriers, trainers, etc., don't give a hoot about the gender role traditions, and create a safe space for our allies. Love, your female knight.

Riding and training horses with passionate people is all fun until you have to sit in the office and catch up on bookkeeping and contracts. Barn families are personal connections are what we live for but business is business and managing friendships and financial agreements can be a balancing act within itself. Join Veronica as she shares tips and stories about keeping organized, maintaining boundaries and values, and noting the red flags in the equine entertainment industry.

Fabulous equestrian and my personal assistant trainer for summer camps, Danielle Laszcwski is here to give us the ins and outs of attending a collegiate equine management program. From dorm life, to chores, classes, teams, and training, Danielle found great value in her education. Currently out in the workforce, she has tips and advice for anyone looking into equine science and management programs.

There are many schools of thought based around how long and how hard we should work our horses. Many of those schools of thought are outdated and old school. Seeing horsemanship with discernment can provoke change in an individual and an individual can provoke change in the collective. This is what we call evolution and progression. If not the old ways, than what? Using scientific data from animal psychological studies and experience from professionals I stand behind and witness amazing results with keeping sessions short, simple, and sweet. Ideally 20 minutes 4 times a week. Check out the cited information on physical and mental capabilities of horses to support this. Oh yeah and come to summer camp!

Summer Camp

https://flyingcolorstrapeze.com/equestrian-trick-riding

Patreon

https://patreon.com/horsemanshipunlocked?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Physical Research

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080606816679

Mental Research

https://www.equitationscience.com/ises-training-principles

Spiritual Research

https://beyondthedreamhorse.com/

This week we have an exciting behind the scenes interview with Renaissance Festival jouster, Sir Thomas Buckley. Join us as we discuss the job requirements, daily routines, and horsemanship practices of a traveling joust troupe.