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Hello

At Behavior Education LLC, I provide science-based training and education that focuses on low stress management, cooperative care, positive reinforcement, and Fear Free® Equine practices. My goal is to improve equine welfare, strengthen the human–equine bond, enhance overall wellbeing for horses, and make daily care safer and less stressful for both horses and people.

 

I apply this to all of the services offered: in-hand or riding lessons, horse training, behavior consultations, and boarding. 

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What Is Cooperative Care?
Cooperative care means giving horses the opportunity to be active participants in their own care. Instead of being forced or restrained, they are taught to willingly:
•    Offer a hoof for trimming or cleaning.
•    Stand calmly for grooming, injections, or veterinary exams.
•    Enter a trailer with confidence.
•    Accept routine handling as a predictable and positive experience.
This approach reduces stress, builds trust, and enhances safety for everyone involved.


Positive Reinforcement in Practice

At Behavior Education LLC, I use positive reinforcement to teach horses that their choices matter. Food rewards, scratches, freedom, or other motivators encourage horses to engage with training willingly. Sessions are structured to be short, clear, and rewarding to help horses build confidence while developing reliable behaviors. Horses have agency and are able to opt out, say no, to interacting. This actually creates a situation where horses are likely to say yes to engaging rather than when they are being forced and know they have no option to say no or control their own behavioral outcomes. 

 

Fear Free® Equine
As a Fear Free Certified Professional – Equine, I integrate Fear Free® principles into every interaction. These include:
•    Recognizing and respecting equine body language.
•    Reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during handling and procedures.
•    Building predictability and choice into daily care routines, including riding.
•    Setting horses and handlers up for success through preparation and training.
 

Choice-Based Riding
My work extends beyond groundwork and care to include choice-based riding. Horses are taught to engage in ridden work through the same principles of agency and positive reinforcement. Under saddle, this means:
•    Encouraging voluntary participation rather than forced compliance.
•    Using cues as communication, not commands.
•    Allowing horses to express when they are ready to proceed or need a break.
•    Focusing on relaxation, balance, and mutual trust.
This style of riding prioritizes the horse’s welfare and creates a true partnership between horse and rider.
 

Evidence-Based Equitation Science & Biomechanics
Training at Behavior Education LLC is grounded in equitation science and an understanding of both equine and rider biomechanics. By applying peer-reviewed research and biomechanical principles, I ensure that training methods:
•    Support the horse’s natural movement and physical wellbeing.
•    Help riders develop balance and coordination that complement, rather than hinder, the horse.
•    Prevent injury and long-term dysfunction by avoiding mechanical shortcuts.
•    Foster athletic development built on soundness, strength, and relaxation.
This evidence-based approach combines behavioral science with physical conditioning, ensuring that horses and riders can progress in harmony while maintaining welfare as the top priority.
 

Why It Matters
Cooperative care, choice-based training, and evidence-based riding practices result in horses who are more resilient, relaxed, and engaged. They become safer to handle, easier to ride, and better able to thrive in domestic life. Owners and caretakers benefit from safer, more enjoyable partnerships with their horses.
 

Services Offered
Through Behavior Education LLC, I provide:
•    Individualized cooperative care and positive reinforcement training.
•    Choice-based riding lessons and consultations.
•    Guidance in applying equitation science and biomechanics to horse and rider partnerships.
•    Educational workshops and presentations on positive reinforcement, Fear Free® Equine, and science-based riding practices.

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References & Further Reading
Burman, O. H. P., & Mendl, M. (2018). Animal welfare and the study of affective states. Animal Behaviour, 146, 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.10.011


Carroll, S. L., Sykes, B. W., & Mills, P. C. (2022). “Moving toward Fear-Free Husbandry and Veterinary Care for Horses.” Animals, 12(21), 2907. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212907 


Davis, L. (2024). “Equine-Assisted Learning as a Means to Explore Anxiety, Trauma, and Stress: Participant & Equine Outcomes.” Journal of Experiential Education.

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Demaline, B. (2018). Fear in the veterinary clinic: History and Development of the Fear Freeâ„  Initiative. Conspectus Borealis, 4(1), Article 2.

 
Fenner, K., Yoon, S., White, P., Starling, M., & McGreevy, P. (2019). The effect of noseband tightening on horses’ behavior, eye temperature, and cardiac responses. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0207382. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207382 


Fenner, K., McLean, A., McGreevy, P., & McLean, M. (2016). The effect of noseband tightness on self-carriage and rein tension in horses. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 15, 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.07.004

 
Gobbo, E., Topal, O., Novalija, I., Mladenić, D., & Zupan Šemrov, M. (2025). “An iterative approach to identify key predictive features of fear reactivity and fearfulness in horses (Equus caballus).” Scientific Reports, 15, Article 24590. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10725-4 


Grandgeorge, M., et al. (2024). From Human Perception of Good Practices to Horse Welfare: Management and housing conditions associated with welfare state in equid facilities. Animals, 14(17), 2548. 


Gueguen, L., Palme, R., Jego, P., Henry, S., & Hausberger, M. (2025). Differences between facilities in horse welfare profiles: slight differences in management/working conditions may be enough. Animal, 19(6), 101520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2025.101520 


Hall, C., Goodwin, D., Heleski, C., Randle, H., & Waran, N. (2008). Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 11(3), 249–266. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888700802101130

 
Innes, L., & McBride, S. (2008). Negative versus positive reinforcement: An evaluation of training strategies for rehabilitated horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 112(3–4), 357–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.08.011 


McGreevy, P. D., McLean, A. N., Warren-Smith, A. K., Waran, N., & Goodwin, D. (2005). Defining the terms and processes associated with equitation science. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 1(1), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2005.06.003 


Popescu, S., et al. (2022). Changes in Management, Welfare, Emotional State, and Behavior in Stallions after Changing from Single Box to Outdoor Barns. Animals.

 
Randle, H., Kitzis, I., & Wright, H. (2017). The use of positive reinforcement in horse training—A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 78–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.01.005 


Raspa, F., Valle, E., Ozella, L., Bergero, D., Tarantola, M., Necci, A., Bertocchi, L., D’Avino, N., Paniccià, M., De Palo, P., Nannoni, E., Martelli, G., & Forte, C. (2024). Horse welfare in semi-extensive system: establishing a welfare protocol and comparing pasture and stable farming systems. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 23(1), 1057-1068. https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2024.2382271 


Rogers, S., & Bell, C. (2022). “Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists.” Animals, 12(21), 2904. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212904 


Starling, M. J., McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2016). The contribution of equitation science to minimising horse–rider mismatches. Veterinary Journal, 207, 33–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.041 


Waran, N., & Casey, R. A. (2005). Horse training: A modern perspective. Equine Veterinary Education, 17(7), 341–345. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.2005.tb00478.x 


Williams, J., & Warren-Smith, A. (2015). Limitations of the application of learning theory in equitation: A review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 165, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.003
 

21 SEPT 2025 Ranger and Lori.jpg
21 SEPT 2025 Lori and Ranger.jpg

Why I don't use force-based, Round Pen, and "Natural Horsemanship" Methods. 

Although popularized under various names, methods that rely heavily on round pens, “join-up,” dominance models, or force-based training have been widely criticized in the scientific literature. Research shows these approaches often create unnecessary stress, misunderstanding, and risk for both horse and handler.

Misunderstanding of Learning Theory

Many force-based methods rely on pressure and release (negative reinforcement). While effective under precise timing, in practice this is often inconsistent. Poor timing leads to confusion, stress, and the development of conflict behaviours (Innes & McBride, 2008; Goodwin et al., 2009).

Use of Aversive Stimuli

Round-pen “chasing” and other “natural horsemanship” strategies often employ aversive stimuli such as pressure, flight responses, or fear to elicit compliance, rewarding cessation of behaviour by release. These methods can induce fear and conflict, rather than genuine learning. Equitation science instead emphasizes minimizing aversives, using clear, non-aversive cues and positive reinforcement (Goodwin et al., 2009; Starling et al., 2016).

Dominance and Leadership Assumptions

Much of the marketing around “natural horsemanship” is built on dominance and leadership myths. These are  anthropomorphic, poorly defined, and inconsistent with modern ethology. Such assumptions can justify harsh techniques. Equitation science provides a more accurate framework rooted in behaviour science and learning theory (Goodwin et al., 2009).

Stress and Welfare Costs

Studies support that horses subjected to aversive methods display higher heart rates, signs of distress, conflict behaviours, and avoidance. On the other hand, horses trained with positive reinforcement demonstrate greater willingness, exploratory behaviour, and improved welfare outcomes (Innes & McBride, 2008; Fenner et al., 2019).

Safety Risks

Reliance on force, fear, or misunderstanding of flight responses can lead to dangerous behaviours such as bolting, rearing, or defensive aggression. By applying equitation science and evidence-based methods, handlers can reduce risks while improving welfare for horses and safety for people (Starling et al., 2016).

 

References

Fenner, K., Yoon, S., White, P., Starling, M., & McGreevy, P. (2019). The effect of noseband tightening on horses’ behavior, eye temperature, and cardiac responses. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0207382. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207382

 

Goodwin, D., McGreevy, P., Waran, N., & McLean, A. (2009). How equitation science can elucidate and refine horsemanship techniques. Veterinary Journal, 181(1), 5–11.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.023

 

Innes, L., & McBride, S. (2008). Negative versus positive reinforcement: An evaluation of training strategies for rehabilitated horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 112(3–4), 357–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.08.011

 

Starling, M. J., McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2016). The contribution of equitation science to minimising horse–rider mismatches. Animals, 6(3), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6030015

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