£29.95
Felicity George, Marie-Louise Holmes, Sharon Smith
Applied Equine Psychology explores the inner workings of the horse, drawing parallels from human psychology and looking at what is going on in the horse’s brain leading to that behaviour.
This understanding is then applied to addressing outward behaviour issues, so that horse and owner can work together in a more horse-centric way to resolve issues. The book’s approach is innovative and challenges traditional thinking. It presents well-established ways of analysing the complex systems that create and maintain behaviours and ways of evaluating and implementing interventions, drawing from the field of clinical psychology. With a vast field of psychological models to choose from, the book explores why the equine industry views the emotional and behavioural functioning of equines almost exclusively through the behavioural lens. An alternative perspective, based on all the major school of psychological thought is suggested. An integrated, methodical, validated, and ethical approach to thinking about equine behaviour is addressed and invaluable clinical intervention models are explained.
Applied Equine Psychology is highly illustrated and combines research and the latest concepts with practical, readable advice.
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| ISBN | 9781789183320 |
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| Page extent | 260 |
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| Product type | PB |
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| Publication date | 01-Jul-24 |
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| Dimensions | 189 × 246 mm |
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| Product options | eBook (fixed format), eBook (reflowable), Print version |
Hannah Jenkins –
I cannot recommend this highly enough. Applied Equine Psychology isn’t just a book. It’s lifetimes of lessons, learning and reflective practice. It blends psychology, science and feel so that we can understand what really matters to the individuals we are working with.
Life is messy. Interactions and situations are usually very complicated and we may never understand exactly ‘why’ a behaviour is happening. What matters is that we focus on how we can help, how to navigate complexity, and how *it depends* is actually the real answer to helping humans work with horses. This book demonstrates the foundations and fresh approach needed to support not only the horse and client, but importantly you as a practitioner.
If you’ve ever been told:
– you ask too many questions
– you’re too soft or gentle and need to be ‘firmer’
– that horses don’t think or feel ‘like that’
– that you should ignore or override your gut feelings
– that the situation isn’t ’that complicated’
– that you must face a situation head on
– or if something doesn’t quite feel right even though what you’re doing is backed by science
– or you feel under pressure to have ‘the answer’ or ‘solution’…
…then this book is for you.
The horse world will tell you to hit them harder, get on with it, do more or ‘don’t let them get away with it’. Our gut feelings about being kind are overruled and our thoughtful questions and reflections are met with answers that typically do more harm than good.
For so long I believed I wasn’t good enough to understand animal behaviour, let alone help horses and humans.
Everything I watched or was told simply didn’t feel right to me, until finding the wonderful group of people that are the Equine Behaviour Affiliation. These inspiring individuals have taught me that we should listen to our gut feelings because they are there for a reason. They gave me the confidence to know that the best way to help horses, humans and any animal for that matter – is to simply to start by listening. That feeling safe in the world is one of the most important things for all of us.
Working with animals, humans and for yourself can be – a lot. It can feel overwhelming. But this book will give you a narrative that makes sense, show you a framework to help navigate it all and let you know that you are not alone. If there was ever a book to move conversations and applied practice forwards – then this is it.
Thank you to the authors who had the courage to introduce this to the world. It’s better for it.
rita seery –
If you’re looking for a text that looks at equine wellbeing and how it can be enhanced in a holistic and horse centred way this is definitely for you. Drawing from human clinical psychology this text provides valuable insights into how best we can help our horses, never forgetting there is also a person on the other end of the lead rope who also needs support. A modern text for todays horse owner, professional or those looking to enter the field.
Lucy Rees –
This book represents a grand advance towards a scientifically-based understanding of the difficulties horses have in our hands, emphasizing their need for empathetic, communicative relationships.
Isabelle (verified owner) –
This book is an excellent overview of every aspect of equestrian management. I would highly recommend it as a ‘must have’ for anyone involved in all aspects of managing, training and caring for horses – and their owners, carers and their families who have to support them! The combination of skills and experience of the authors of this book ensures that every aspect of equestrian management is covered. It’s brilliant!
Jonathan Foreman, DVM, MS, DACVIM(University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine) –
Make no mistake: this book is not light reading. The book’s basic thesis is that by attempting to understand underlying behavior better and more completely, the classic behavioral modification program can be more all-encompassing, and perhaps kinder, than just emphasizing negative reinforcement.