Horses Speak Very Clearly, We Just Need to Pay Attention
Horses Speak Very Clearly, We Just Need to Pay Attention
About Katrina
– Katrina was a dressage competitor but now focuses on Equine Behaviour Research with particular attention to stress levels.
Eye Blink Rate Research has been used as an indicator of stress in cattle and humans. Horses exposed to stressful situations such as separation from herd mates, denied access to feed and sudden introduction of a novel object showed a reduced amount of full and half eye blinks along with an increase in eyelid flutters compared to horses in their normal paddock. Eye blink rate may have potential as measure of stress in horses.
To Listen to Dr Katrina Merkies on iTunes – Click Here
Or Listen below
Katrina’s Favourite Inspirational Quote
– Common sense is not so common
Who Has Inspired Katrina
– Authors of children books
– UK Books – Sweet Run Series
– Black Stallion – Walter Fanley
Recommended Books
– Equitation Science by Andrew McLean and Paul McGreevey
About This Episode
– Katrina discusses why it is important that you listen to your horse as they speak very clearly, we just have to pay attention.
Time Stamps
00:50 – Common sense is not so common
01:47 – How Katrina feels that she was born loving horses
02:38 – How not being accepted by vet school began her career coaching riders
04:33 – You may want to ride, teach, train, but you also need patience, perseverance, recognition of education and knowledge
05:56 – Why horses are the best thing in her life
06:29 – How Walter Farley book inspires Katrina
07:42 – Other children’s books
08:10 – How Katrina’s first pony and her first horse she brought inspired Katrina
10:44 – Winning the Canadian Dressage Championships
11:50 – Working for everything Katrina has, riding for others
13:11 – Tips for people who are struggling with lack of money
16:28 – Eye Blink Rate Research has been used as an indicator of stress in cattle and humans.
19:56 – How the lip licking movement can be a sign of stress
21:07 – Results of the eye blink rate study
25:02 – How Andrew McLean & Paul McGreevey’s book inspired Katrina
26:16 – Being a dedicated equine behaviour researcher at university and training instruments used by rider
28:40 – Listen, read, ask questions, listen to the horse, watch the horse.
30:00 – Contact: see details below
Katrina’s Contact Details
Email: kmerkies@uogelph.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrina.merkies
Music
BenSound.com
When Katrina is a return guest on Horse Chats, what question would you like to ask her?
(Please leave comment below)