A study investigating riders’ perceptions and understanding of learning theory, conducted as part of a MSc dissertation project, revealed gaps in equestrians’ theoretical knowledge of the terminology - positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.

In a presentation entitled ‘Hindgut Microbiome’, Dr Wendy Pearson, an assistant professor of equine physiology at the University of Guelph, discussed the role of microbes in digestion and the possible benefit of probiotics. Pearson’s presentation was a part of the Equine Summit hosted by Equine Guelph in Ontario, Canada.