An equine behaviorist is a specialist with formal education and training in animal behavior from an accredited college or university. They analyze horse behavior, teach and train, solve problems, and help ensure overall equine wellbeing. Animal behavior work incorporates several branches of knowledge, such as: ethology, neurobiology, animal welfare science, zoology, behavioral ecology, and equitation science. Training horses effectively and ethically begins with incentive-based training principles that are supported by scientific evidence. These principles help horses learn not only the life skills that make them easy to manage in the barn, but the athletic skills that lead to consistent success at the highest level of every discipline.
WHEN WORKING WITH YOUR HORSE, I WILL:
- Observe and analyze behavior: I watch how your horse interacts with their environment, humans, and other animals to identify patterns or issues.
- Diagnose behavioral problems: Using a process called Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), a systematic method for identifying why a behavior happens, I analyze compulsive behaviors, anxiety, fear responses, training challenges, stable vices, handling problems, and sport-horse performance issues. I do not practice clinical veterinary medicine or diagnose medical conditions. I do, however, work alongside your veterinarian to ensure that your horse’s psychological and emotional health tracks with their physical wellbeing.
- Develop treatment & training plans: Using behavior modification techniques, training protocols, and management changes, I help horses learn healthier behaviors, improve performance, safety, and confidence.
- Use Incentive Training: When teaching new behaviors or skills, I use incentive training such as positive reinforcement (R+). Incentive training is also essential when working with challenging behaviors.
- Educate owners and trainers: I am available to teach people how to reinforce positive behavior and avoid the unintentional encouragement of bad habits or aversive handling. Work with your veterinarian: Since pain-related behaviors can be complex and often ambiguous, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect a medical issue to be the cause of a behavior problem. I will gladly consult and work with your veterinarian as needed.
APPOINTMENTS
First Appointment – Full behavioral analysis.
This involves getting a full history on your animal, behavioral observations, management practices, and environmental evaluation. After this session, you get a Findings Report and behavioral training plan customized to the animal.
Training Sessions – 30- to 45-minute sessions working directly with a horse to develop skills, encourage behaviors, solve problem behaviors, or optimize performance.
For availability, contact Helena, or schedule online.