The Truth About Horses: A Guide to Understanding and Training Your Horse

by Andrew McLean

Balancing new scientific research with his practical horse-training experience, author Andrew McLean debunks long-standing myths about horses and presents a far-reaching, totally humane method of horse training. He starts by recognizing vast differences between equine and human brains and mental processes. He describes the traditional trainer�s mistake of judging horses according to the standards of docile or good horse and bad-tempered or mean horse. The horse�s brain cannot make abstract judgments about �good� or �bad� behavior, but readily responds to conditioning by trainers who understand the equine brain, the instincts that drive it, and a horse�s way of knowing the world. The author emphasizes that by training a horse according to a set of consistent responses that coincide with equine instincts, horse owners can avoid undesirable horse behavior. He offers a training program and amplifies on it with enlightening case studies. Here is must-reading for every current and prospective horse owner and rider. More than 300 color photos.

Genres: Horses, Science, Animals

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

PhD (Equine cognition and learning), BSc (Zoology), Dip Ed

Andrew McLean developed and manages the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, the most internationally recognised horse training and behaviour modification centre in Australia.

He holds a PhD in equine cognition and learning, has been an accredited horse-riding coach for over 25 years and has written top-selling books and numerous peer reviewed journal articles. A past winner of the Gawler CCI***, he has also represented Australia in Horse Trials, competed at state and national events in FEI level dressage and eventing and has also showjumped to Grand Prix level.

Reviews

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew McLean is a great teacher for those of us who choose to try to understand and work with our horses rather than "break" them and submit them to our will. Short and easy to comprehend book with great pictures for illustration.

[Jessie Angie]

This overview alone feels like a revolution in horsemanship! Andrew McLean brilliantly bridges cutting-edge science with real-world horse-training experience, shattering outdated myths and replacing them with true, humane understanding. The way he explains the equine brain, its instincts, its learning patterns, its unique way of seeing the world is nothing short of eye-opening.

What excites me most is how clearly he shows that “good” or “bad” behavior isn’t a horse’s nature, but a reflection of training that finally aligns with instinct. His method feels empowering, compassionate, and refreshingly logical. The step-by-step program, combined with vivid case studies and over 300 stunning photos, makes this more than a book, it’s an essential guide for anyone who wants a deeper, more respectful bond with their horse.

If this is just the overview, I can only imagine how extraordinary the full book is. Absolutely 5 stars, inspiring, humane, and scientifically brilliant. This is the kind of work that changes the way we train, connect, and understand horses forever!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on horse training I have read. This is not about gimmicks or trends or ideologies or marketing schemes. These are facts based on behavioural science and animal psychology. McLean lays out the process of training in a clear and concise way with well laid out photo illustrations as well as the reasoning behind the process and technique. The most important takeaway is that the horse is an animal and should be respected as one (and treated with utmost compassion), not anthropormorphized which is a disservice to the horse. Really really an excellent read for any horse person!

[Laura Kinsale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview of behavioral training for horses, bringing some of the concepts of learning theory which have been adopted in other types of animal training to the horse. Much needed, but his true opus is Academic Horse Training.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Understandable with comprehensive photos and descriptions. Gives you a good insight into the equine mind with supportive information to each training practice.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and reference for the behavioural learning approach to training your horse.