The Truth about Horses

Book excerpt: Balancing new scientific research with his practical horse-training experience, author Andrew McLean debunks long-standing myths about horses and presents a far-reaching, totally humane method of horse training. He starts by recognizing vast differences between equine and human brains and mental processes. He describes the traditional trainerï¿1/2s mistake of judging horses according to the standards of docile or good horse and bad-tempered or mean horse. The horseï¿1/2s brain cannot make abstract judgments about ï¿1/2goodï¿1/2 or ï¿1/2badï¿1/2 behavior, but readily responds to conditioning by trainers who understand the equine brain, the instincts that drive it, and a horseï¿1/2s way of knowing the world. The author emphasizes that by training a horse according to a set of consistent responses that coincide with equine instincts, horse owners can avoid undesirable horse behavior. He offers a training program and amplifies on it with enlightening case studies. Here is must-reading for every current and prospective horse owner and rider. More than 300 color photos.