Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 187-195 , July 2010

Horse-training techniques that may defy the principles of learning theory and compromise welfare

  • Andrew N. McLean

      Affiliations

    • Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Clonbinane, Broadford, Victoria, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress for reprint requests and correspondence: Andrew N. McLean, Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, 730 Clonbinane Road, Clonbinane, Broadford, Victoria 3658, Australia. Phone: +61 408 101 141; Fax: +61 3 57871220.
  • ,
  • Paul D. McGreevy

      Affiliations

    • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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PII: S1558-7878(10)00062-6

doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.04.002

Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 187-195 , July 2010