Elizabeth VanRoss

" It occurred to me in the very beginning of my career that the training methods used to develop horses were shrouded in mystery, seemed contrary to the biology of the horse and were confusing and difficult for a large proportion of riders to understand. These methods seemed stuck in the past and were not making use of emerging scientific knowledge. If humans were finding the training of a horse confusing, I could only imagine how confusing it was for the horse. My work therefore has been devoted to the anatomical and behavioural study of both humans and horses. Studying the laws of nature assigned to both species, helped me devise training techniques that allow both parties to understand each other. This understanding allows both horse and rider to progress into training by avoiding both physically and mentally damaging conflict. Both equine and human anatomy, physiology and behaviour are broken down into bite size study modules in a logical progression, whether starting a horse under saddle, rehabilitating a horse, or developing the genetic potential of a competing equine athlete. These techniques do challenge more traditional methods, but having successfully used them on hundreds of horses all over the world, I believe they are a step into the future of equine development. They are also a spring board for young innovative equine scientists, trainers and riders to evolve the development of the equine athlete to match the genetic advancements in breeding that are producing the champions of today. At a more grass roots level, the simple application of these techniques will afford greater welfare to the ridden horse and greater security to their riders..."