EquiTheory podcast

84. Q&A: Ethics in Training Traumatized Horses

10.6.2021
0:00
1:59:58
15 Sekunden vorwärts
15 Sekunden vorwärts

Hi All🌞🌎

This week's episode answers Patron McKenna's questions. Here's an idea of all the topics we covered:

  • What are your thoughts on how & when one should use sedation (Ace, Dormosedan, etc.)?
  • Is it possible for the clicker/R+ way of training to be too slow for a horse’s well-being?
  • When should a professional clicker trainer get involved in person?
  • Could a horse be “too far gone” to train?
    • Do you think it is ethical to try & “fix” a horse in a state of post-trauma recovery & continue to try to reintegrate the horse into a normalized way of functioning, or should we instead try to find a way to comfortably retire them (permanently or temporarily) & cease the majority of reintegration training as a way to respect them in their present situation?
  • Could you please clarify how “combined reinforcement” works?
    • Is it possible in the clicker training world to use both +R & -R together ethically?
  • What are your thoughts on the idea that humans decide on a training method based on their past traumatic experiences? Has that been true for you in choosing R+? What are your thoughts on using “energy” pressure when training horses?
  • Is it advisable and/or ethical to train a horse when in a conflicted/irritated/angry mindset?
    • Therefore, is it advisable & /or ethical to train a horse while suffering from a mental disorder flare-up when it causes a conflicted/angry/etc. mindset?
  • Do you know of any sources that describe how to best transition a horse from daily “feedings” to 24/7 forage access?
  • What are your thoughts (in general) on the Extreme Mustang Makeover & The Road to the Horse competitions?
    • Do you know if there is any data concerning these competitions specifically that would suggest that these horses are more likely to have bolting/bucking/"problem horse" issues or even health problems post-adoption/sale?
    • Do you think it's possible to compete in short-term training competitions like these with clicker training?
    • Of the clicker trainers I know of, very few actually compete on a regular basis in the hopes of refraining from putting too much pressure on their horses.
    • Do you think that clicker-trainers will ever be willing to participate in these kinds of competitions?
    • What do you think it will take to get people to do so?

Thank you guys for checking it out! And thank you to Patron McKenna for asking such thought-provoking questions!

Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational + entertainment purposes only, not professional consultation. While we take precautions and fact-check, topics discussed should be considered opinions and listeners should practice due diligence before taking any action. If you participate (by commenting, submitting a question, or reviewing), understand it is at your own risk, accept full responsibility for any resulting liability/harm, & anything written may be used for discussion.

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