Full Description
A compassionate, insightful guide to humanity's relationship with the horse, with evidence-based training tips.
Weaving together science, history and fiction, Equine traces our bond with the horse across 6000 years of co-existence. It takes the reader on a journey of discovery, from the evolutionary beginnings of Eohippus, the Dawn Horse through to the domestication of horses, their use during wartime, and their place in our lives today.
The book opens with a detailed look at the evolution of the horse, with fascinating insight into how particular characteristics and traits evolved to become today's modern animal: fast, vigilant, and with a strong herd instinct. The horse's brain, senses and abilities are all fully explored.
In the book's second half, the author turns her considerable expertise to how the horse learns, and helps readers understand proven, effective and compassionate training methods for the animals they work with.
Through her focus on welfare, and by making accessible the complex science of ethology and training, experienced trainer and author Portland Jones entices readers to share the awe and wonder she experiences when working with horses.
Equine is for anyone who works with horses, rides them, or simply admires this most beautiful of creatures.
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Letting go of anthropomorphism
The Dawn Horse
1. The ancient horse
Ancient man
2. The domesticated horse
Ezio
3. The important horse
Wilhelm
4. The modern horse
Ted
5. The conscious horse
Part 2: Ways of learning
Sarah
6. Operant conditioning
7. Classical conditioning
8. Habituation, shaping and welfare
Arkady
Epilogue
References
Acknowledgments
Index
