Anjanette McClean Equitation Science Trainer and Coach

30/08/2026

So much faster than using a shovel and delivers a precise finish graders just can’t match for your outside track. I love my EZI edge! Contact Ozzy Smith if you’d like one.

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

The horse’s memory is based on encoded neural connections that can form across several areas of the brain. The equine memory is excellent and, in some respects, may be superior to human memory.

While human memory can be altered by recall, context, and reasoning abilities, the memory of the horse appears more stable, perhaps because it is not influenced by reflection or projection, or perhaps because methods have not yet been developed to demonstrate that horses are capable of these processes.

Horses can remember stimulus-categorisation tasks without practice for up to 10 years and can apply previously learned concepts immediately to new stimuli.

However, thinking, analysing, and reflecting can alter memory.
Humans continuously reflect on some memories, retrieving them from storage when thinking or telling a story and later storing them again.

After this reflection process, memories may be stored somewhat differently because they are altered by the physical, emotional, and perceptual context in which the reflection occurs.

The human prefrontal cortex is responsible for this reflective ability.

The absence of tissue with the distinctive cellular characteristics of the human prefrontal cortex in horses, together with the apparent stability of equine working memory, currently suggests that this type of reflection may not occur in horses.

An excerpt from the textbook Equitation Science, 2nd Edition by Andrew McLean, Paul McGreevy, Janne Whinther Christensen & Uta König von Borstel.

24/08/2026

// Friday Fact - Uniformity of responses in training //

During training, horses will offer a range of responses, of varying qualities; these have to be progressively "shaped" until they become uniform. Small amounts of conflict behaviour may emerge in the process. The qualities of responses are trained in a set order, beginning a basic attempts, and ending in the achievement of the response reliably anywhere.

Achieving consistency of response is not always simple; the horse may try all kinds of behaviour, including:
▪ the "wrong" response
▪ delays in response
▪ variations in reactivity, including hyperreactivity
▪ alterations of speed, in direction, or in body posture

Consistent responses to the riders signals make the horse's world predictable and controllable. In training, conflict behaviours arise when the horse is confused by a signal - it may be unreliably trained or have ambiguous meanings. The extent of the conflict is directly proportional to the reliability of the signal-response relationship. The clearer the understanding of the response, the calmer the horse.

13/08/2026

When we know better, we can do better. 💙🐴

Understanding horse welfare starts with knowing what to look for.

The Five Domains Model is a science-based framework that helps assess a horse's welfare across all aspects of its life—from nutrition and environment to health, behaviour and mental wellbeing. It's a practical tool that can support better decision-making, no matter your role in our sport.

The five domains of welfare for FEI sport horses’ course is now available on FEI Campus, giving riders, coaches, officials and horse owners the opportunity to deepen their understanding of equine welfare and put welfare-first principles into practice.

Explore the course via FEI Campus or visit our website to access the link.

31/07/2026

22/07/2026

Explore the 10 First Principles of Horse Training by The Internatio...