Episode 2 What Does "Horsemanship" Actually Mean?

In this episode, Veronica explores the definition of "horsemanship". What is the historical definition versus the definition given by industry traditions? How much of defining horsemanship is relationship based versus skill based? Have we drifted from its original meaning and can we circle it back? Just another topic to question on the "Question Everything" Equestrian Podcast.Sources and Further ReadingsHistorical FoundationsXenophon. (c. 350 BCE/1925). On horsemanship. (E. C. Marchant, Trans.). Harvard University Press. (Original work written ca. 350 BCE).— Early instructional text emphasizing gentle handling, trust, and partnership even within a military context. Equine Science & Learning TheoryMcGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2007). Roles of learning theory and ethology in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118.— Discusses how misunderstanding learning theory contributes to conflict behaviors in horses.McLean, A. N., & Christensen, J. W. (2017). The application of learning theory in horse training. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 190, 18–27.— Explains pressure-release training, reinforcement, and the ethical implications of correct timing and consistency.Sankey, C., Henry, S., André, N., Richard-Yris, M.-A., & Hausberger, M. (2010). Do horses have a concept of person? Behavioural Processes, 86(2), 153–157.— Demonstrates that horses recognize and differentiate humans based on previous interactions.Sankey, C., Henry, S., Clouard, C., Richard-Yris, M.-A., & Hausberger, M. (2011). Asymmetry of behavioral responses to a human: Discrimination and memory of individuals in horses. Animal Cognition, 14, 339–347.— Shows horses remember positive vs. negative handling experiences.Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008). A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.— Comprehensive review of how handling styles shape equine stress and behavior.Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015). What can inactivity (and depression-like states) tell us about welfare in domestic horses? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.— Links behavioral shutdown and learned helplessness to welfare concerns.Psychology of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books.— Foundational attachment theory explaining trust, safety, and emotional security in relationships.Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.— Self-Determination Theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness as pillars of healthy relationships.Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.— Explores connection and belonging as central to well-being. Ethical Framing of Horsemanship International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). (2018). First principles of horse training.— Evidence-based guidelines for ethical, science-informed training practices.

Welcome to Horsemanship Unlocked's Question Everything: Equestrian Podcast. In this trailer, meet Veronica and explore her journey from traditional horsemanship to science-based training. This podcast looks at horse training, behavior, and welfare through curiosity, observation, and better questions, inviting thoughtful, nonjudgmental conversations about the horse-human relationship.

The patriarchy not only takes form in politics but also in the horse world. Big name trainers are predominantly men while mostly women occupy facilities at the local level. Even in equestrian circus arts women are capped at their physical strength while men have no limits. As a cis woman who rode in jeans and performed "masculine" tricks, here are some of my stories and some ideas to fight the patriarchy in the horse industry. Support women in business; vets, farriers, trainers, etc., don't give a hoot about the gender role traditions, and create a safe space for our allies. Love, your female knight.

Riding and training horses with passionate people is all fun until you have to sit in the office and catch up on bookkeeping and contracts. Barn families are personal connections are what we live for but business is business and managing friendships and financial agreements can be a balancing act within itself. Join Veronica as she shares tips and stories about keeping organized, maintaining boundaries and values, and noting the red flags in the equine entertainment industry.

Fabulous equestrian and my personal assistant trainer for summer camps, Danielle Laszcwski is here to give us the ins and outs of attending a collegiate equine management program. From dorm life, to chores, classes, teams, and training, Danielle found great value in her education. Currently out in the workforce, she has tips and advice for anyone looking into equine science and management programs.

There are many schools of thought based around how long and how hard we should work our horses. Many of those schools of thought are outdated and old school. Seeing horsemanship with discernment can provoke change in an individual and an individual can provoke change in the collective. This is what we call evolution and progression. If not the old ways, than what? Using scientific data from animal psychological studies and experience from professionals I stand behind and witness amazing results with keeping sessions short, simple, and sweet. Ideally 20 minutes 4 times a week. Check out the cited information on physical and mental capabilities of horses to support this. Oh yeah and come to summer camp! Summer Camp https://flyingcolorstrapeze.com/equestrian-trick-riding Patreon https://patreon.com/horsemanshipunlocked?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Physical Research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080606816679 Mental Research https://www.equitationscience.com/ises-training-principles Spiritual Research https://beyondthedreamhorse.com/

This week we have an exciting behind the scenes interview with Renaissance Festival jouster, Sir Thomas Buckley. Join us as we discuss the job requirements, daily routines, and horsemanship practices of a traveling joust troupe.

We get into equestrian sports from the love of the horse. When does love of the sport overpower the love of the horse? When you see a beautiful flower, do you pick it or water it and provide what it needs to grow? Attitude and perspective in horsemanship can change just about everything. It's not about what you're doing but how you're doing it. Intention ripples through everything; your horses, your students, and your inner peace. Ask yourself why you're here and what you bring to the animals, art, sport, or industry.

Running a boarding stable is not for the weak. An around the clock job catering to the needs of both humans and horses takes organization, discipline, business skills, leadership, and compassion... to name a few. Join me in a chat with barn manager and eventing trainer, Lindsay Barrack, as she gives us tips and secrets from her experience of running Mahan Farm, a 113 acre facility in Tallahassee, FL. www.mahanfarm.com

In this podcast episode I share some stories, tips, and experiences throughout my years of hauling horses across the country. From emergency kits, stress reduction, to booking overnight stops, here are some of my hard earned life lessons from a decade of living and traveling on the road with horses.