Is your horse "happy"?

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) is concerned enough to introduce the concept of the "happy equine athlete" to address the problem of equine "happiness". The new emerging discipline of equitation science* seeks to better understand this most important aspect of performance.

As highlighted by Dr Paul McGreevy* of the University of Sydney in a recent article;

"... many still question the welfare of the ridden horse since it is largely trained using negative reinforcement, has to respond to pressure-based signals and does not work for positive rewards."

Too much of current training and riding theory is based on applying pressure to the horse causing a reaction that implies control. Its as if the rider forces the horse to choose between relative "discomforts" rather than actions based on modern learning theory. To further quote Dr McGreevy, "To be effective and humane, horse training must involve subtle applications of pressure and its immediate removal once an animal complies"

The GPG suspension stirrup moves a significant step forward toward a fairer, more modern approach to the horse and rider relationship making for a happier horse.

* McGreevy, P.D., The advent of equitation science,
Vet. J. (2006), doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.09.008

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