Understanding the flexibility and limits of behaviour is essential to improving both the horse's welfare and its performance. This book tackles the fundamental principles which will enable owners, riders, trainers and students to understand scientific principles and apply them in practice. Subjects covered include the analysis of influences on equine behaviour, the perceptual world of the horse, learning and training techniques including the latest developments in "join-up" and "imprint training".
A university course turned into a book - not an easy read, but definitely worth it. Especially the stuff on learning behaviour, stereotypies and welfare interested me personally. I am registered for a course based on this book and look forward to more practical use cases for my daily life with horses based on scientific research. Oh, and the massive bibliography makes me glow with anticipation :-)
Other than the evolutionary material at the beginning describing the "origins" of equus this book is great for behavioral insight into the horse. The final two chapters are particularly interesting as they deal with management and training pro's and con's as it generally affects or is driven by the horse's behavior. Note: It is intended for an adult, scientific reader, so there is sexual content as reproduction is a key behavior motivator, and there are complex words.