2015 ISES Convention Highlights: How Horses Learn and More

Dr. Andrew McLean Kicks off Demonstration Day

To kick start the conference's demonstration day, Dr. Andrew McLean, equitation scientist and director of the Australian Equine Behaviour Center, discussed the essentials of learning theory as applied to horse training. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Dressage Routine Based Around Learning Principles

Pamela Nezil performed a dressage routine based around learning theory principles such as using signals the horse can differentiate, using consistency and repetition, and releasing pressure immediately when the horse responds. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Learning Principles and Western Horsemanship

Hermen Geerstema then followed learning theory principles while demonstrating Western horsemanship. Read more at TheHorse.com/36474. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Encouragement

Geerstema encouraged his young, green mustang to relax in a new environment. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Breaking and Training a Horse Using Learning Theory

Trainer Jody Hartstone demonstrated how to break and train a horse using learning theory. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Safe Horse Handling Techniques

Dr. Gemma Pearson, from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, shared safe horse handling techniques for veterinarians, farriers, and handlers. Read more about her findings at TheHorse.com/36645. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett, The Horse Managing Editor

Using Mechanical Horses for Equitation Studies

Some researchers carry out their equitation studies on mechanical horses (seen here with a rein tension gauge) to eliminate horse-related variables. Read more at TheHorse.com/36538. | Photo: Courtesy Jenni Douglas

Target Training

Kelsey Wallach and Dr. Robin Foster, both affiliated with the University of Washington, used target training to teach horses to behave properly in stressful situations (e.g., trailer loading). Read more at TheHorse.com/36757. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Robin Foster

Eye Wrinkles

Dr. Sara Hintze, a PhD student at the University of Bern, in Switzerland, found that horses showed more eye whites and had sharper wrinkle angles during positive situations than negative ones. Find out more at TheHorse.com/36638. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Sara Hintze

Which Horse Do You Find More Appealing?

Anna Fisker Hansen, from Plymouth University/Duchy College, in the United Kingdom, identified a color bias toward solid-colored horses in European young horse championship judging. Which horse do you find more appealing? Read more about her study at TheHorse.com/36608. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Jo Dixon