We're just poppin in to your earbuds to talk about horse welfare and behavior from a birdseye view. Why is it important, how science has delivered important knowledge about behavior to the equine industry, and Helena's notes from her graduate studies at Penn. Listen in!

There are six primary behavior motivators for horses:

1) Food
2) Water
3) Safety
4) Comfort
5) Companionship
6) Reproduction

To understand why a horse does something (good, bad, or indifferent), it is important to first think of the behavior as belonging to one of these six categories.

When you identify which of the six motivators are influencing your horse in any given moment, it becomes much, much easier to meet their needs. And, when you meet their needs, they become much more cooperative. And yes, we want cooperation, not control. Listen in!

Helena is back for a very quick recap and update on her evolving role in the equine industry. As she completes year one of her master's program at PennVet, rest assured that her passion for making the world a better place for horses has not waned–not one, single bit.

For new listeners, this episode provides a brief background on Helena's career before horses, during horses, and today, which currently consists of being a full-time graduate student along with a few select equine behavior clients. Horse behavior is, and will be, the focus of her profession from here on out. So, listen in once more!