Applied Equine Psychology The Art and Science of Helping Horses

Traditionally equine behaviour guidance has come from an understanding of the outward behaviour of the horse and modifying that behaviour. Applied Equine Psychology goes much deeper into the inner workings of the horse, drawing parallels from human psychology and looking at what is going on in the horse’ s brain leading to that behaviour. This understanding is then applied to addressing outward behaviour issues, so that horse and owner can work together in a more horse-centric way to resolve issues. The book’ s approach is innovative and challenges traditional thinking. The book is highly illustrated and combines research and the latest concepts with practical, readable advice.

Sharon qualified as an equine behaviour consultant in 2010. She is a co-founder of the EBA andcontributed towards the Applied Behaviour Course material. She is an examiner for the course, hosts practical days, and assists trainees on the EBA professional training. Felicity has ridden and worked with horses for many years, and for more than 20 years has taken a serious interest in horse behaviour, studying a wide range of traditional and 'alternative' approaches to dealing with behavioural issues. She also has a solid background in science and worked as a scientific researcher at Edinburgh University for several years before moving on to work for private companies, travelling internationally and working as a consultant for a wide range of businesses. Dr Marie-Louise Holmes (BSc, MSc, DClinPsych) is an HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with twenty years of experience working in; adult mental health, in-patient forensic psychiatry, autism, learning disability, brain injury rehabilitation, addictions, suicide prevention and child and family services. She currently runs her own private psychological therapy and consultation service.

1. Introduction 2. Helping Andy and Apple: professional practice models 3. Clinical psychology: the path to profession 4. Equine behaviour consultancy: a parallel path? 5. Trans-species psychology: mammalian brains and needs are more similar than different 6. Equine mental well-being: setting the scene 7. Equine mental well-being: assessing and improving 8. Equine relationships: understanding attunement and attachment needs 9. Trauma: how to work with trauma without working on trauma 10. Practicing as an equine psychology specialist: ‘ It ain’ t what you do, it’ s the way that you do it’ 11. Conclusion