Testimonials:

Having first met Andrew and Manuela McLean almost 15 years ago, their teachings have inspired everything we have done with horses since. A world-renowned expert in animal behaviour and training, Andrew’s explanation of the science behind a horse’s responses made it easy to understand and apply to their training. I still think about neural pathways every time one of our horses misbehaves! Manuela, herself a national dressage coach and advanced eventer, shares Andrew’s gentle manner with horses and ability to explain complex theories simply. They are a unique and wonderful team and an asset to our country.

“Studying at Equitation Science International has significantly impacted my life in several ways. It has greatly broadened my education in equitation science and given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to start my own horse training and coaching business. Additionally, it has created access to an international community of progressive, like-minded horse people dedicated to using evidence-based knowledge to improve the horse’s welfare, and interactions between horse and trainer. This fosters continued learning and career enhancement. To be able to train horses and coach people is a dream come true.”

“I spent many years searching for the Holy Grail of horse training and, after travelling throughout Europe, I found the answer right here in Australia. Equitation science and learning theory allow me to objectively view any interactions between people and horses, identify where any errors may have occurred and, most importantly, provide me with the tools to fix them. The Diploma of Equitation Science has been invaluable. Equitation science has revolutionised the way I train, handle horses and coach riders. No other method is subject to the same scrutiny and peer-review. As a scientist, I appreciate that I now train and coach using proven methods, rather than those founded on hearsay and good marketing. I have been set upon a path from which I will not deviate.”

The Equitation Science course provided me with far more accurate tools and skill sets, to enable us, and importantly our clients, train their horses towards a safer and more predictable future!

Additionally, being part of a group of like-minded individuals with a scientific viewpoint makes brainstorming and troubleshooting an efficient accurate process.

The breadth of the Equitation Scientific principles doesn’t just pertain to horses, it is my belief!

As a keen amateur dressage rider, I spent many years searching for the Holy Grail of horse training and travelled to Europe hoping to discover how to achieve that elusive and largely undefined “connection” that makes for a successful rider/trainer.  Ironically, I found the answers to how horses learn and therefore how to maximize training efficiency and vastly improve welfare, whilst studying Equitation Science here in Australia.

Equitation Science and Learning Theory has provided me with a benchmark by which to measure all types of training systems and methods.  It allows me to objectively view any interactions between people and horses, identify where any errors may have occurred and, most importantly, gives me the tools to fix them.  The ongoing support and access to resources provided to me after graduating with an Associate Diploma in ES has been invaluable.  ES has revolutionized the way I train, handle horses and coach riders.  No other “method” is subject to the same scrutiny and peer-review.  As a scientist, I appreciate that I now train and coach using proven methods rather than those founded on hear-say and good marketing.  My only regret is that I didn’t take this journey earlier, but I have now been set upon a path from which I will not deviate.