An equine behaviorist is a specialist who studies animal behavior, and helps solve problems using scientific principles of psychology, behavioral biology, and ethology (the study of natural animal behavior).
MY SPECIALITY INCLUDES:
- Ethical and effective groundwork to prepare for any discipline
- Routine handling and care
- Problem behaviors (hard to catch, fearful, averse to clipping, not respecting boundaries or personal space, aggression)
- Trailer loading
- Quirks or performance issues under saddle
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: This can include anxiety, compulsive behaviors, fear responses, lack of training, stable vices, handling challenges, and sport-horse performance issues. We do not diagnose medical conditions or physiological problems, nor do we practice clinical veterinary medicine. We do, however, work alongside your large animal veterinarian to ensure 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 positive reinforcement (R+): When teaching new behaviors or skills, I use positive reinforcement to teach new skills, as well as for behavior modification.
- 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.
RATES
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. $250.00
TRAINING SESSIONS – 30- to 45-minute sessions working directly with a horse to develop skills, encourage behaviors, solve problem behaviors, or optimize performance. $60.00 per visit.
Contact Helena to schedule a session, or book online.