Equitation Science International

Are you heading to Equitana Melbourne this year? Don’t miss out on visiting us at site 344 in the Epsom pavilion! We’re excited to announce the debut of our latest publication: “Modern Horse Training – Principles in Practice, Volume 2” This brand-new book will be available for purchase at our stand. Plus, we’re offering lots of specials on our book collection too! We can’t wait to connect with fellow horse enthusiasts. Stop by for a chat, browse our selection of books and take advantage of our special offers. See you at Equitana Melbourne!

University of Surrey researchers recently found that a thoroughbred's gut bacteria composition at one-month-old may be a good indicator of its future performance. Gut bacterial diversity at 28 days old was found to be predictive of future athletic performance, with higher bacterial diversity at one month positively associated with better racing performance. Specifically, higher abundance of Anaeroplasmataceae bacteria was linked to higher official ratings, while increased levels of Bacillaceae at 28 days old were associated with better race placings. Lower bacterial diversity at 28 days old was associated with increased health risks and foals with lower diversity had a significantly higher risk of developing respiratory disease later in life. Interestingly, low diversity was also linked to increased risk of soft-tissue and orthopedic issues later in life. The study also found that antibiotic use in the first month of life had long-term impacts: - Foals treated with antibiotics in the first 28 days had significantly lower bacterial diversity at that age. - These foals won significantly lower prize money in their racing careers. - They also had a significantly higher rate of developing respiratory disease after 6 months of age. The researchers believe these health impacts may be related to immunological priming in early life, though the exact reasons are not fully understood. Work is currently underway to develop novel probiotics that will enhance the gut health of foals in early life and to investigate how antibiotics can be used whilst preserving gut health. University of Surrey. "Bacterial gut diversity improves the athletic performance of racehorses." ScienceDaily, August 2024. https://lnkd.in/eVhnSurx

Episode five is out!

Equestrianism is more threatened than ever as the public passes judgment on the ethics of the sport. How can equitation science provide solutions to the current equestrian industry problems? This week's episode of The Other End of the Reins tackles the topic. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g7HNmYSf Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAWTdiA9

Well done Lisa Ashton 👏🏼

Did you know that high school students in Australia may be able to study the Diploma of Equitation Science alongside their curriculum during Years 11 and 12 ? We have many young students already getting a head start on their careers by pursuing a horse training qualification alongside their final years of secondary education. If you have a passion for horses and are interested in a career in this field, consider discussing this option with your school! The 10872NAT Diploma of Equitation Science is a nationally recognised qualification that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for various roles in horse training and coaching. For more details, visit the course page at ESI Education. https://lnkd.in/g5Yb6aFM RTO 41254

Imagine a world where dressage scores were awarded for the most ethical performance? The lightest of pressures, the most self-carriage, the least amount of gear, and so on. As in other sports, many horse-owners, trainers and riders will arrive at a choice between doing something ‘bad’ that may increase their chances of winning, or not doing it and relinquishing the possibility of first place. It may be a decision about using a gadget or a drug, withholding food or water, or hurting the horse. The extent to which sport horses are coerced to perform is often the focus of welfare debates. Equitation science will be able to play a vital role in deciding the outcome of these discussions, and, particularly in dressage competition, emergent technology will remove subjectivity from judging and will underpin the development of high-welfare dressage. The sport of soccer has set an excellent example of how judges’ decisions can be supported by technology (e.g., by introducing goal-line technology to increase objectivity of judges’ decisions when keeping scores). Equestrian sports that involve judging decisions might be well advised to learn a lesson from the progressiveness of other sports and science may be able to help us value training of any manoeuvre that is dependent on and achieved through lightness of pressure (i.e., attesting to self-carriage and the horse’s self-maintenance of rhythm, straightness and outline). Equitation Science, 2nd Edition, Andrew McLean, Paul McGreevy, Janne Whinther Christensen & Uta König von Borstel

"Horses benefit from reassurance and praise - so talk to him and scratch his withers to say "it's ok, you'll be right". This also keeps our own energy levels down and positivity up." In this month's ESI newsletter, Manuela McLean provides valuable insights on preparing your horse for successful trail rides through consistent training and patience. Trail riding should be a fun and relaxing activity, but the experience can sometimes present challenges for both horse and rider. By focusing on clear communication and building the horse's confidence, the experience will be much more enjoyable for both of you. For the full article, including detailed training exercises and tips for handling specific trail riding challenges, read the complete June 2024 ESI Newsletter online at https://lnkd.in/gu8CjuDG

In a future world, it is extremely important for the sustainability of horse sports to think about the horse's welfare and to move away from an anthropocentric view, to a horse-centred view: welfare from the horse's own perspective. The advent of social media, smart phones with high resolution videos and the ongoing pursuit of personal freedoms means that it is extremely important that horse people earn the trust of the public. Too often it appears that even at the highest levels, horse people and federations believe that all they need to do is to convince the public that what they do is justified, kind and legitimate and they see what is known as social license to operate' as something to protect. This is a complete misunderstanding. On the contrary, social license is the trust owed to the public and it must be earned. Dr Andrew McLean - Modern Horse Training Volume 1

It’s cold over here in Australia, and we would rather sit inside where it’s warm packaging up orders for our lovely followers! Get in quick, the sale only lasts until Monday midnight