Horsemanship Unlocked is an equestrian podcast exploring horse training, behavior, and welfare through science, observation, and better questions. From learning theory and equine psychology to horsemanship culture, each episode invites curious, non-judgmental reflection. No blame, just thoughtful conversations to help you understand your horse and build clearer communication.
Horsemanship Unlocked
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28 episodes
Updated Weekly
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Podcast Overview
Horsemanship Unlocked is an equestrian podcast exploring horse training, behavior, and welfare through science, observation, and better questions. From learning theory and equine psychology to horsemanship culture, each episode invites curious, non-judgmental reflection. No blame, just thoughtful conversations to help you understand your horse and build clearer communication.
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Publishing Since
7/31/2020
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Recent Episodes
May 20, 2026
Compliance vs Willingness
<p>In this episode, we explore the distinction between compliance and willingness in the horse–human relationship. Here we discuss learned helplessness, latency and behavioral enthusiasm, stress physiology, emotional engagement during training, and what willingness may look like behaviorally. Outward obedience does not always reflect the horse’s internal emotional experience and invites listeners to observe training interactions with greater curiosity and nuance.Sources & Further ReadingsLearned Helplessness & Animal BehaviorSeligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23, 407–412. Hall, C., Goodwin, D., Heleski, C., Randle, H., & Waran, N. (2008). Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 11(3), 249–266. Stress Physiology & WelfareChristensen, J. W., et al. (2006). Effects of training methods on stress responses in horses. Physiology & Behavior, 89(4), 489–497. von Lewinski, M., et al. (2013). Cortisol release, heart rate, and behavior during horse training. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 8(6), 401–407. Equitation Science & Learning TheoryMcGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2010). Equitation Science. Wiley-Blackwell. McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2007). The role of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118. Positive Engagement & Human InteractionSankey, C., et al. (2010). Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses. Animal Behaviour, 79(4), 869–875.</p>
May 5, 2026
Trust: What Builds It & What Breaks It?
<p>This episode explores how trust is shaped through predictability, consistency, and emotional regulation, drawing from both equine behavior research and human relationship psychology.</p><p>Sources and Further Readings</p><p>Equine Behavior & Predictability</p><p>Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008).A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015 </p><p>Sankey, C., Richard-Yris, M. A., Henry, S., Fureix, C., & Hausberger, M. (2010).Positive interactions lead to lasting positive memories in horses. Animal Behaviour, 79(4), 869–875.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.12.037 </p><p>Stress, Learning, and Consistency</p><p>McGreevy, P. D., & McLean, A. N. (2007).Roles of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118. </p><p>McLean, A. N. (2005).The positive aspects of correct negative reinforcement. Anthrozoös, 18(3), 245–254. </p><p>Schmidt, A., et al. (2010).Cortisol release, heart rate, and heart rate variability in horses. Hormones and Behavior, 57(3), 319–325. </p><p>Emotional Regulation & Relationship Psychology</p><p>Gross, J. J. (1998).The emerging field of emotion regulation. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 271–299. </p><p>Gottman, J. M. (1999).The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.(Concept of repair attempts and relationship stability) </p><p>Siegel, D. J. (2012).The Developing Mind.(Relational regulation and interpersonal neurobiology) </p><p>Learning & Behavior Interpretation</p><p>Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015).What can inactivity (in horses) tell us about welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.</p>
April 15, 2026
Ownership vs Partnership
<p>This episode explores the concept of ownership and partnership through both equine science and human relationship psychology, examining how power, dependency, and learning shape the horse-human relationship.</p><p>Sources & Further Readings</p><p>Equine Behavior & Welfare</p><p>Hausberger, M., Roche, H., Henry, S., & Visser, E. K. (2008).A review of the human–horse relationship. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 109(1), 1–24.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015 </p><p>Sankey, C., Richard-Yris, M. A., Henry, S., Fureix, C., Nassur, F., & Hausberger, M. (2010). Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses. Animal Cognition, 13(5), 753–764.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-010-0326-9 </p><p>Fureix, C., & Meagher, R. K. (2015).What can inactivity (in horses) tell us about welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 8–20.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.016 </p><p>Stress & Physiological Indicators</p><p>Visser, E. K., et al. (2002).Heart rate and heart rate variability during a novel object test and handling in young horses. Physiology & Behavior, 76(2), 289–296. </p><p>Schmidt, A., et al. (2010).Cortisol release, heart rate, and heart rate variability in horses. Hormones and Behavior, 57(3), 319–325. </p><p>Learning Theory & Training</p><p>McLean, A. N., & McGreevy, P. D. (2010).Ethology and learning theory in horse training. In Equitation Science. </p><p>McGreevy, P., & McLean, A. (2007).Roles of learning theory in equitation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2(4), 108–118. </p><p>Human Relationship Psychology</p><p>Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000).Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.(Discusses autonomy, competence, and relatedness in relationships) </p><p>Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007).Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change.(Explores security, responsiveness, and relational safety)</p>
28 total episodes available
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