by Dr. Stephen Peters and Martin Black
Evidence-Based Horsemanship combines science and the understanding of brain function with an empirical understanding of the subtleties of a horse’s behaviors, reactions and chemical states. It is based on the Scientist-Practitioner model and involves assessing and integrating scientific findings to inform decisions and create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care based on empirical outcomes. (what “works”). Evidence-Based Horsemanship was developed out of collaboration between renowned horseman Martin Black and neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Peters who felt that the public and their horses needed a source of real information gathered by observation, tested in the field and validated by science. This information allows us to ask the question, “What does our current scientific knowledge of the horse, when applied and observed, show me about getting the best outcomes possible for me and the horse?” More information about the method, authors and how to buy the book ($17.00 plus shipping) is available at evidence-basedhorsemanship.com.
Editor’s Note: Despite living in the Information Age, horsemanship too often looks medieval when it comes to training methods. Wishful thinking, old wives’ tales and “the way we’ve always done it” continue to propagate abuse with horses, some of it unspeakable even amongst professionals. This book is small and does not promote another new training method. Instead, it shows clearly what horses are and are not capable of mentally processing due to their neurology and brain function. Highly recommended.
Originally Published July 2014 Issue
The Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.
