Do you have a horse that is reluctant to be tied up or stand still? Do you have trouble clipping or deworming? Or is your horse difficult to inject? Join World Horse Welfare on 28 July 2021 at 7pm for the third in their popular series of webinars that focuses on equine mental wellbeing.
In this webinar, held in conjunction with the University of Nottingham, Dr Gemma Pearson will guide us in how to restrain horses using learning theory, a highly effective method that can transform equine behaviour. Being able to restrain the horse in a way that is effective and humane is key to getting the job done safely.
Among other topics, Gemma will provide her perspective on:
- Using chemical and physical restraint
- Using licks or food for restraint/positive reinforcement
- Understanding and applying equine learning theory
- Teaching horses “manners”
As well as being an equine vet, Gemma is one of only a handful of certified clinical equine behaviourists in the UK. The combination of these two qualifications gives her a powerful insight into equine behaviour and training, and her methods are highly effective.
Following her presentation, Gemma will be joined for a panel discussion by Brad Hill, an equine vet and member of the equine teaching team at Nottingham Vet School, and Tony Evans, one of World Horse Welfare’s Field Officers. In the panel discussion, Gemma, Brad, and Tony will us their thoughts on a number of issues, including how to optimise learning for horses, whether horses are ever “naughty”, and the role of equine submission in restraint. We will then open the webinar up for your questions.
By registering for the webinar through Zoom, participants will be able to take part in the various polls, ask questions during the Q&A and enjoy an interactive experience. Participants can join the webinar on their website.
The webinars, which run monthly during the summer, are free to attend and, if participants are unable to attend via Zoom they can be viewed as a Facebook Live session. If you have missed any of the previous webinars – which have tackled subjects as fascinating and diverse as keeping horses fit, weight management, euthanasia, biosecurity and travelling – they are all available to watch on the World Horse Welfare YouTube channel.
The final webinar in this series, which will run on 25 August 2021, will feature John Francome, Caroline Heard, and Dr. Andrew McLean who will discuss optimisation of equine mental wellbeing, with a particular focus on management and training.
More about the presenters
Gemma Pearson is an equine vet based at the University of Edinburgh where she completed a residency. This included a certificate in advanced veterinary practice (equine medicine) and an MScR investigating the interactions between equine veterinarians and their patients. She has recently completed a PhD in which she investigated the stress response of horses undergoing veterinary care. She is one of only a handful of certified clinical equine behaviourists in the UK and currently runs an equine behaviour service at the University of Edinburgh. Gemma is also the Director of equine behaviour for The Horse Trust and Veterinary Liaison Officer for the International Society for Equitation Science.
Brad Hill is an equine vet who worked in first opinion practice before joining the equine teaching team at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. He has worked in both ambulatory and referral hospitals and has a particular interest in equine stud medicine. During his time in practice, Brad realised the importance of understanding equine behaviour and the role that this plays in effective horse handling and restraint. In addition, Brad’s knowledge of behaviour, equine learning, and restraint forms a key part of his work in preparing the next generation of vet students for modern day equine practice, in which they need to get their (often challenging) work done safely whilst safeguarding equine welfare.
Tony Evans has worked World Horse Welfare as a Field Officer for more than 10 years. Prior to this, he spent 22 years in the British Army, where he was the Equitation Instructor for The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. He has also competed in show jumping, eventing and team chasing.
University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, based in the UK, offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in veterinary medicine, science, and research. A fundamental aspect of undergraduate teaching is an evidence-based approach to equine care and management, with a particular emphasis on handling techniques that promote good equine mental wellbeing in a veterinary environment.
