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A new way of thinking: Horse training and welfare

For generations, horses have been trained using methods grounded more in tradition than in animal welfare science. While the old-school dominance approach has enabled humans to use horses to work, ride, and compete, they’ve not always prioritised the horse’s experience or wellbeing.

RSPCA Australia
Monday, 11 May 2026

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Growing scientific evidence along with evolving community expectations has progressed a shift away from traditional thinking about how horses should be trained and treated, with the understanding that horses are sentient beings capable of feeling, suffering, and experiencing complex emotions such as fear and joy. With this greater understanding, there is significant momentum to reconsider how negative reinforcement is used to make a meaningful shift towards more humane, evidence-based training practices.

Equitation science is the foundation to improving horse welfare

At the centre of this approach is equitation science, the study of horse-human interactions, with a focus on how horses learn, perceive, and respond to human cues. Equitation science recognises that horses learn though clear, consistent signals and that training should align with their cognitive abilities and natural behaviours as much as possible, with the aim of not only improving horse welfare but also enhancing human safety and the effectiveness of training overall.

Evolving training with a welfare first approach

Historically, training a horse has involved using a dominance approach, typically by using an aversive stimulus such as spurs or applying excessive pressure which is only removed when the horse performs the desired behaviour. Equitation science recognises that horses experience both positive and negative mental states and as such, using a dominance approach where a horse is forced to perform to escape a negative state is not appropriate. In fact, research has indicated that these methods carry welfare risks, particularly when poorly timed or excessively applied, including inducing stress related behaviours, behavioural problems, fear, and diminished wellbeing.

The use of certain equipment further illustrates this concern. Bits for example, are widely used to control and guide horses through pressure applied inside the animal’s mouth. However, there are many different types of bits available, and some can cause pain to sensitive oral tissues and have been associated with tongue, lip and jaw injuries. Rein pressure applied through bits can also restrict a horse’s head movement resulting in unnatural positions that can cause discomfort or pain. These are just some examples, but they highlight a broader issue; when training relies on restrictive or aversive methods it can prioritise control over welfare.

However, we now have a more nuanced understanding of how horses learn, and using training techniques which are predictable and consistent. By aligning with the horse’s behaviour and movement this will not only promote better wellbeing but also enhance the connection between horse and human. Increasingly, studies have also highlighted the benefits of positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desired behaviours with something the horse finds pleasurable, such as food or a treat, a pleasant odour, or tactile contact. Horses trained using these methods often display more relaxed and engaged behaviour, suggesting they’re experiencing a more positive mental state, which is paramount for good welfare as emphasised in the Five Domains Model of animal welfare.

Better safety for all

The connection between horse welfare and human safety is more significant than many realise. A horse who feels secure, comfortable, and able to understand their handler is less likely to behave unpredictably. While a horse experiencing pain, fear, or confusion is more prone to react in a way that puts both the horse and handler at risk, such as kicking, biting, or rearing.

Equitation science encourages a deeper understanding and consideration of a horse’s natural behavioural tendencies and physical capabilities. Horses trained in a way which considers their wellbeing are more likely to display predictable behaviours and fewer undesirable ones, reducing the likelihood of the horse reacting due to fear or stress, which in turn improves safety to humans.

In addition, conflict behaviours occur when a horse experiences an internal conflict between what is being asked of them, such as through the use of equipment and cues, and their own motivations and instincts. This conflict can manifest in behaviours like tail swishing, teeth grinding and pinned ears, all of which are signs of stress that can impact their mental wellbeing and performance. Safeguarding the psychological and physical wellbeing of horses, and considering their natural behaviours, results in horses experiencing more positive emotions and are more likely to learn effectively. This can result in more trainable and cooperative horses, leading to improved performance, and more enjoyment and satisfaction for all involved.

Putting respect and care for horses first

The way we train and handle horses reflects how we value them. As our understanding of animal behaviour evolves, so too must our practices. In every interaction with a horse, there is value in considering the experience from the animal’s point of view. Instead of asking how to make a horse comply, we should be asking how we can communicate with them in ways that are understandable and that safeguards their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Putting animal welfare first means the goal of training should not simply be obedience, but to enhance communication and mutual understanding. Horses are highly perceptive animals with individual needs, who are capable of learning complex tasks and responding to subtle cues. When training relies on fear, stress, or discomfort, it risks undermining the trust between horse and handler and compromising welfare. By using training methods that are consistent, aligned with natural behaviours and grounded in achieving positive mental states we can improve horse welfare and promote a sustainable, productive, and enjoyable horse-human working relationship. And, perhaps most importantly, the best thing someone engaging with or training a horse can consider is “if I were in the horse’s shoes…”

Knowledgebase • Offsite

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Knowledgebase • Offsite

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A new way of thinking: Horse training and welfare

Equitation science is the foundation to improving horse welfare

Evolving training with a welfare first approach

Better safety for all

Putting respect and care for horses first

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