Explaining the Autonomic Nervous System in Horses How the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems Shape Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare. Horses, as prey animals, have an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is exquisitely tuned for survival. The ANS has two major branches: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)  — mobilises the horse for action. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS ) — restores calm, digestion, and recovery. These systems are always active, but one tends to domina

PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY by Irene Perrett Perceptions of safety are important to all of us. Notice the word perceptions. Not only do we need...

By Kate Thornton Annie was upset. She was so confused. Where was her Mother? Why had she been put in a taxi, on her own, and where on EARTH was she going to? No one had told her! As she wept, she could just about see the eyes of the driver in the rear-view mirror through her tears. He was frowning. She could tell he had no patience with her. In the end he piped up “ For goodness’s sake child, STOP with the sobbing!” But….what’s going on? The taxi was uncomfortable. Annie h

THE IMPORTANCE OF PASSIVE OBSERVATION By Irene Perrett 27th August, 2020 How often do we use observation as a tool? We tend to monitor, assess, and weigh up whether what we observe is what we would like to see. We question ourselves – are we getting closer to the goal, nearing the outcome of our agenda? How do these observations cause us to feel, are they enhancing or detracting, creating insight or a barrier? Bear with me, I’ve been mulling this over – by removing pre-concei

What must it be like to feel regularly unheard? What IS Authentic Listening and how can we use it to enhance our animals' lives?