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The Equine Research Foundation supports research aimed at
gaining a deeper understanding of the learning and cognitive capabilities of
horses. The study of cognition is concerned with the mental processes,
representations, and skills involved in thinking and learning. From May through
October, the Foundation offers one and two week clinics to the public that
involve participants in all aspects of the Foundation's research and horse
training. Participants gain hands-on experience working on a scientific project,
learn about horse behavior, care, data analysis, and enjoy trail rides on the
ranch trails, in the vineyard, along the beach and in the mountains. In
addition, participants learn about the Foundation's alternative training methods
which are based on positive reinforcement and operant conditioning, herd
behavior, psychology, and natural horsemanship. These programs are open to the
public and are, in part, tax deductible.
 RCCA04-2
Rates: All inclusive from Aptos, accommodations, all meals
prepared by a cook, full research program, field trips, 8 (4) horseback
riding excursions.
14 days/13 nights $ 1,850
- Tax
deductible
Maximum of 6 persons per group
2008 Dates: TBA
RCCA04-1
... one week programs
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,150
2008 Dates:
TBA
Meeting: Aptos
Airport: San Francisco
Transfer: shuttle $90 one way for up to 3 people - to be paid
locally
Tack: Western/English
Min/Max Riders: 2-6
What you can expect
The program in which you will be involved is multifaceted. Part of it
focuses on a unique scientific research project geared toward gaining a
deeper understanding of the horse's mind. During your stay, you will
learn what it takes to do scientific research. You will participate in
all phases of the research including operation of testing apparatus,
handling the animals during the tests, videotaping sessions, collecting
data, computer data entry, journal record keeping, and more. Through
seminars, observation, and hands-on experience you will learn how the
findings of the Equine Research Foundation relate to human dealings with
horses and how cognition and behavior principles apply to handling and
training.
You will also receive instruction and hands-on experience
working and playing with horses using the Equine Research Foundation
alternative methods of ground schooling and bond formation. Based on equine
social dynamics, herd behavior, psychology, and positive reinforcement,
these techniques will help you develop a better relationship with any horse.
All methodology emphasizes positive interaction, creates strong human/horse
bonds, and develops willing partnerships between humans and horses.
Horseback riding is included. You will ride on the
beach, along the shoreline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
where we often observe sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins,
whales, and a large variety of sea birds. You will also ride in the arena,
on the ranch trails and in our vineyard, as well as through the varied
terrain of the California coastal mountains.
You will meet, work with, and make friends with a diverse
group of people. In the past, we have had participants from Germany,
Australia, England, Japan, Canada as well as from all across the United
States. We have had teachers, lawyers, students, horse lovers, horse
trainers, and people brand new to the horse world. All left with a new
appreciation for horses and the horse's mind. They learned techniques for
teaching their horses how to become the responsive and agreeable partners
they always wished for.
Accommodations
The Equine Research Foundation is located at a 40 acre horse
facility in the hills of Aptos, California - 10 miles south of Santa Cruz.
Participations will live in a three-bedroom, 21/2
bath, furnished farmhouse in the midst of the vineyard. Typically two
persons will share a bedroom - bathrooms will be shared. Arrangements
can be made so that couples may have their own bedroom. A local cook will
prepare your meals.
Typical
Daily Schedule
Mornings will be devoted to cognition research with everyone experiencing all
phases of the work through rotating assignments. Afternoons will be spent
learning the Equine Research Foundation methods of horse training and handling
through demonstrations and individual experience.
In
addition, part of the afternoon will be devoted to horseback riding and
field trips. On some evenings we will have guest speakers (when available),
videos, or seminars. We have a library of training videos and books
available for team member use.
Free time is available on weekends for sightseeing, etc.
Small groups will ensure ample opportunity for participation in every aspect
of the research, horse handling/training, and riding. Early sign-up is
recommended.
Due to time constraints, those participating in the one week option will, of
course, not get as in-depth an experience. We will, however, do our best to
see that you will be involved in all phases of the program.
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Categorization learning
Testing in progress
Discrimination Learning
Making the correct choice
Fun and games create the bond
Developing the human/horse bond
Husbandry
Natural Horsemanship and Trust
Habituation
& Desensitization
Leisurely rides along the
rugged California coast
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You'll be
doing it all at the Equine Research Foundation!
You'll be working side-by-side with one of the best known equine
cognition and behavior researchers, Dr. Evelyn B. Hanggi -- exploring how horses
think and learn, using this knowledge for training and handling, and helping
improve equine care and welfare.
Each program is multifaceted. Part focuses on an exciting scientific research
project geared toward gaining a deeper understanding of the horse's mind. During
your stay, you will learn what it takes to do scientific research. You will
participate in all phases of the research including operation of testing
apparatus, positively reinforcing the horses during the tests, videotaping,
collecting data, journal record keeping, and more. Your participation is key in
helping us educate the public about the learning abilities of horses and their
psychological needs. How so? The knowledge you help gather is published not only
in scientific journals but also in popular national and international magazines
and is featured worldwide on television documentaries, and radio and Internet
interviews. Conducting research is only one part of your learning vacation.
Through personal instruction and hands-on experience you will learn how the
findings of the Equine Research Foundation relate to human dealings with horses
and how cognition and behavior principles apply to handling and training.
You will meet, work with, and make friends with a diverse group of people.
Participants have traveled from Germany, Australia, England, Japan, Canada, as
well as from all across the United States. Teachers, lawyers, writers, students,
horse lovers, horse trainers, and people brand new to the horse world all have
left with a new appreciation for horses and the horse's mind. They reached their
goal of learning how to help their horses become the responsive and agreeable
partners they always wished for.
Small groups ensure ample opportunity for participation in every aspect of the
research, horse handling/training, and riding. Early sign-up is recommended.
What is the Equine Research Foundation?
The Equine
Research Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to further
scientific and public knowledge about equine learning abilities and thereby
improve human/horse interactions. All studies are non-invasive and rely on
positive reinforcement.
The Equine Research
Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to further scientific
and public knowledge about equine learning abilities and thereby improve
human/horse interactions. All studies are non-invasive and rely on positive
reinforcement.
Advancement of Knowledge
The Equine Research Foundation
supports research aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the learning and
cognitive capabilities of horses. The study of cognition is concerned with the
mental processes, representations, and skills involved in thinking and learning.
The researchers at the Equine Research Foundation are finding that horses have
more advanced cognitive abilities than was previously thought and can solve
complex problems that involve logic and reasoning. These studies show that
horses are thinking creatures that respond best to humans who acknowledge their
minds and emotions.
Helping Horses and
Humans
Each year thousands of horses
are bought with the best intentions. However, each year a like number are sold
again because owners find that their ideas of horse ownership are not reality.
Horse ownership requires time, money, and most importantly, knowledge.
Understanding equine behavior is the key to excellence in horsemanship and
understanding what horses learn and how to use this knowledge to help with horse
training and handling is one of the most important aspects of successful horse
management. One goal of the Equine Research Foundation is to make our results
available so they can be used to improve human/horse interactions.
Equine
Welfare
To understand and then satisfy a
domestic animal’s needs, one must learn as much as possible about its basic
psychological and behavioral processes. In the past, much time has been devoted
to understanding the horse’s physiology but relatively little attention has been
directed toward the horse’s mind. By ignoring psychological needs, humans create
stress for horses and when stresses are prolonged, health and behavioral
problems occur. When behavioral problems arise the horse is often blamed, then
shuffled from one trainer to another only to be returned to the same conditions
or sold repeatedly. Finally, the horse is labeled a “problem” and ends up in a
slaughterhouse.
Psychological factors such as
feeling, thinking, and remembering are cognitive processes that affect an
animal's overall well-being. Therefore, if we want to provide the best
environment, training, and handling methods for our horses, we need to
understand their cognitive and motivational processes.
What You Can Do
You can join
one of the Equine Research Foundation's summer teams and assist with all aspects
of the research as well as learn about alternative training techniques that rely
on horse psychology, herd behavior, and the human/horse bond.
The
Equine Research Foundation relies on tax-deductible public donations and grants
for its operating funds. Donations are used to further research, raise
awareness, and for continuing education by making information available to the
public through publications and program participation.
Contributions are tax-deductible.
The
Equine Research Foundation is a public charity described by section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Service. It is not a private foundation, as it is a
non-profit organization described in sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of
the Internal Revenue Code. It is run by a Board of five Directors.
In general, contributions of cash, securities, and property donated by
U.S. citizens to support scientific research projects are tax deductible.
Furthermore, under certain circumstances volunteers may deduct reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses for transportation to and from research sites.
Since tax circumstances for individuals vary, Hidden Trails or the Equine
Research Foundation cannot be responsible for tax advice to its volunteers and
sponsors. We suggest that you consult your own tax advisor.
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