For all the horse has done for us, it is through our gratitude that we examine what we offer to the horse in return.

The field is expanding at an unprecedented clip. New and exciting scientific findings are centered around the consciousness level and sentient awareness of the horse. Many in the scientific community have come together to start setting guidelines into horse welfare based on equine behavior research and findings. One such organization is the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES).

International Guidelines for Equine Training Principles

ISES is a not-for-profit organization that chiefly aims to facilitate research into the training of horses to enhance horse welfare and improve the horse–rider relationship. ISES has developed 10 Training Principles that the society has decided are very important for horse welfare. These principles are founded on known scientific research, and many focus on equine behavior.

This seminar and clinic will be addressing many of these principles throughout the weekend. Due to time constraints, certain principles will be highlighted in the areas most helpful to get everyone started on this path. This ISES poster outlines their foundational concepts.

On the Right Track

When a cowboy called and asked to work with me for an afternoon, I did not foresee how it would be a transformative moment in my search for a holistic approach with horses. When he arrived I brought in my retired reliable expo horse, and we set about going through different Natural Horsemanship groundwork movements. I was incorporating my knowledge of biomechanics and demonstrating my methods for working with the horse very slowly and with grounded, gentle, strong energy.

And then it happened: The fellow says to me, ”I see you are creating both an oxytocin and dopamine response to bring this horse into trust and relaxation.” I had not a clue to what he was talking about. The longer I stood there the more I sank into a moment of disbelief and sadness. How had I missed such valuable equine behavior knowledge? I was this blah, blah, blah international clinician and lecturer—and this cowboy just opened up a big blank hole in my holistic knowledge of horsemanship. He mentioned a book called Evidence-Based Horsemanship, and I downloaded it on Kindle as soon as I got to the house. It was quite the fascinating read. I quickly realized my training methods were indeed in alignment with how horses learn. Through years of observation and many learning experiences (many worked and a lot more did not), I had created a training method in alignment with equine learning principles. WOW. I was on to something. I wanted to know more to expand my holistic approach. This was the beginning of my quest for a scientific understanding how horses think and learn.

Two names are leading the equine behavior movement; Paul McGreevy and Andrew McLean (both Australians). Being the deep diver that I am, I ordered Paul McCreevy’s Book, Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientists which had the most complete horse behavior info at the time. When I found out that the 2017 International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) convention was going to be held in Australia with both men presenting papers, I made my reservations that day. Not only did I learn a lot at the meetings, but I found out that Andrew McLean would be giving a 3- day clinic to his certification-track students. So off I went and observed his methods first-hand.

Fast forward to today. I stay current by reading a lot of the emerging scientific papers on the latest equine behavior developments. This subject is exploding with new awareness and interest. In recognition of my successful incorporation of equine behavior principles into my training and teaching, I now am in demand for lectures and clinics on equine behavior and am a regular guest lecturer at Montana State University in their Equine Behavior course. I see myself as the bridge between the knowledge in the classroom and the application in the arena.

The journey continues…

If I can do it, so can you!!!!!!

I have found that it is transformational when equine enthusiasts have a foundation level understanding of how the mind of the horse works, how it is different from the human mind, and how the horse learns.

By going down this path, you will gain confidence and clarity in your training methods.

What is Karen’s equine behavior approach?

#1: To prevent survival reactions and develop positive learning responses through equine behavior training principles.

Much of my work focuses on keeping horses in a relaxed state so that learning can occur. Horses have a narrow window of tolerance to stimuli; they shy and flee easily. If a horse is activated into a reaction, learning stops and survival skills kick in. My approach to incorporating equine behavior into horse/human interactions widens and stabilizes this window of tolerance. My program relies heavily on the handler’s observation and perception skills. I have developed a basket of effective tools that the handler can use as needed. My students have effectively applied this knowledge and methods with transformative results.

#2: My methods and tools help riders of all disciplines and levels to achieve a deeper harmonious partnership with their horses.

The paramount focus is to further develop the partnership between human and horse while honoring both the rider’s and the horse’s bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. Equine handlers and equestrians gain more confidence and skill while improving their horse’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual soundness.

*See below for Karen’s bio.

What others have discovered working with Karen.

“Her ability to connect with and understand a horse are amazing. She worked with my herd-bound horse in a setting where he was content to be by himself, something I didn’t think was possible. She gave me some exercises to help me to get my horse to focus and work with me. She truly cares about the welfare of the horse and takes the time it takes to help the troubled horse fit into our world.”—RC

“Watching her do lateral work in hand, Col. Carde expressed his admiration for the quality of softness and correctness in the work he saw —during the June Symposium on Straightness and Balance where she was a luncheon guest presenter.”—CL

“The Center takes you on a journey that’s exquisitely fine-tuned for optimal communication, conditioning, harmony, trust, and heartfelt relationships between horse and rider.”—PL

“I feel so lucky to work with the center and their horses as they patiently walk me through the mind, body, and spirit language that connects horse and human.”—KE

“You’ve helped me rediscover a lost part of myself and find my path.” VF