In 2012 I did an assignment for my Equine Behaviour course for my Equine Science Certificate Program (University of Guelph). My own horse Kazan was my guinea pig as I worked through steps to teach him to touch an object on command. I had my doubts. (lol)
It was pretty cool to get a glimpse into a horse's mind and thought processes and honestly it changed my approach to all of his future training. It also strengthened our bond and I became much more observant of his behaviour. I also realized horses LOVE to learn and it motivated me to try all kinds of new experiments with what I could teach him!
You can purchase this course via the online store. This PDF-style course also has an unlisted YouTube VIDEO LINK inside it (only available from within the course) to be able to view a 7-minute video on the training stages and results with my boy.
COURSE DOES NOT INCLUDE CLICKER. Here is our affiliate link for a 2-pack of clickers - yes we recommend buying 2 in case one gets lost or stepped on!
I wrote this analysis as a final assignment in my Equine Behaviour course for my Equine Science Certificate w/University of Guelph. My own horse at the time had been imprinted at birth by his breeder, and I thought I knew all about it.
If you'd like to learn a whole lot more about imprinting, along with the pros and cons, it's 10 pages of concise, evidence-based information, packed with an additional 2 pages of bibliography references that I used to discuss all aspects of imprinting.
This course is a great addition to your arsenal of knowledge to deepen your understanding of horse behaviour and let you explore your thoughts on imprinting. I even surprised myself with my conclusion. The course would make great workshop content for your barn students, and has concepts that also apply to horses of all ages, not just newborn foals.
You can purchase this course via the online store.
The corresponding 21-question worksheet is free (see below - click to download).
Watch for additional courses being added in the near future! Equine Behaviour was my absolute favourite part of my U of Guelph course work but I also have some great stuff from some of the other program areas as well, like Equine Nutrition and Equine Physiology! ~ Jo
21-questions - makes a great workshop for your barn students
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