The AEBC Training System

The revolutionary AEBC approach is based on what is known in psychology as 'learning theory'. It is the only system of horse training that fully embraces a scientific approach to arrive at training goals. 

The system is centred around establishing a logical connection between your light aids and the horse's behaviour. Andrew McLean explains, "Animals learn to react to signals and they also give signals to their environment. The greatest variation in signals typically occurs in training, to and from both the rider and the horse." 

"The amount of dysfunction is proportional to the anxiety level and expression. Because the AEBC system centres on maximizing the aid-response relationship, it recognises that it is also critical to diminish the effect of the environment as a control over the horse's behaviour. A horse that shies is simply more motivated by the environment than the aid." 

The AEBC system focuses on making the connection from hoof to rein simple and clear, which means mastering control of the horse's legs. Andrew sums it up as, "By letting him know exactly where to put his feet, you give every horse confidence and reassurance." 

This may sound simple enough, but according to Andrew McLean, the goal of confidence and calmness cannot be emphasised too strongly. "There is a terrible amount of wastage in the horse industry and the greatest cause of anxiety in horses is their training. The number of horses destined for pet food can be significantly reduced by incorporating more up to date training psychology into the training context." 

"Whatever level the horse is at, even at Grand Prix level, the basic responses need constant checking and fixing. For various reasons, these responses can deteriorate at any time and it is this deterioration that is the deepest source of anxiety because these responses are initially trained by aversive pressures." 

Andrew's PhD thesis, proposed eight training principles, which are detailed in a series of articles. With AEBC training you will see that the horse's security and stability directly reflect the quality and consistency of his basic learned responses. And that's good news because it puts control of your destiny (and your horse's) in your hands.


http://www.aebc.com.au/theaebctrainingsystem