In late May, Professor Nat Waran, Director of our A Good Life for Animals Centre, attended a specialist workshop hosted by Via Nova Training in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Via Nova is internationally recognised for championing the use of Positive Reinforcement (R+) training in horses — an approach grounded in behavioural science and equine ethology. Their work helps equestrians across a range of disciplines learn how to use R+ techniques to achieve performance goals whilst also ensuring good equine welfare.
So called traditional horse training techniques mainly rely on use of ‘pressure and release’, and at times, punishment. However, the CANZ A Good Life for Animals Centre promotes the provision of positive experiences, which includes consideration of use of positive reinforcement methods in training and performance.
Prof Nat was impressed by Via Nova’s commitment to promoting and demonstrating the use of positive reinforcement training techniques in equestrianism. “Their investment in developing a positive training approach, and willingness to engage with different equestrian stakeholders internationally is exceptional. We look forward to collaborating with Via Nova on research related to assessing emotional expression in horses,” says Nat.
This work aligns with our commitment to the development of evidence-based practices that support positive emotional experiences for animals in their interactions with humans.
In New Zealand, thousands of horses are part of people’s lives — for sport and recreation as well as therapy and companionship. Approximately 3.4% of households have a ‘companion horse’ (one that isn’t used for work or racing etc) which adds up to about 106,000 horses (from the CANZ 2024 NZ Pet Data Report).
“Supporting ethical training methods that prioritise good welfare and providing evidence-based information about how horses learn and indicators of a positive mental state, to inform horse owners in NZ is one of the many ways we can ensure our horses can experience a Good Life.”
For recent articles about positive equine welfare, please click here.