The Truth about Horses: A Guide to Understanding and Training Your Horse, by Andrew McLean

Key Concepts:

• Equine Cognition: The book highlights that horses don’t understand abstract concepts like “good” or “bad” behavior; they respond to consistent training cues. 
• Behavioral Science: It integrates scientific principles to explain why horses behave as they do, moving beyond traditional, often human-centric, explanations. 
• Operant Conditioning: A core method is “pressure and release,” where pressure (from reins, legs, etc.) is applied until the horse performs the correct action, and then immediately released as a reward. 
• Debunking Myths: McLean challenges long-held beliefs, arguing that many “bad” behaviors stem from misunderstandings of equine nature, not malice. 
• Practical Application: It offers a clear training program with case studies for both under-saddle and in-hand work, applicable to all disciplines.

  Used, Very Good Condition