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 dominate depending on...

ADVOCATING FOR HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS I recently had a disturbing yet, very common conversation, with a horseowner who was left as traumatised as her horse when a visitingprofessional lost his temper with her horse. The horse is nowemotionally damaged and future foot handling and care will be all themore difficult as a direct result of this one incident. THE OLD WAYS Sadly, this form of abuse is still prevalent as the horse industry remainssteeped in the use of dominance, force and...

Trust is hard earnt and easily lost ​ A brief review on the consequences of our actions in relation to the operant quadrants. (Our choices in shaping future behaviour) Negative reinforcement R-, Negative punishment P-, Positive punishment P+ and Positive reinforcement R+ - how do they affect equines? Have you ever sat back and thought that you just handled a situation in the wrong way? The realisation that you just messed up. Regretting the words you chose or the actions you just took? What...