Scentwork for Horses

Scentwork is a new discipline in the field for horse and handler, and expert author Rachaël Draaisma arms the reader with a pallet of information to enable them to put this technique into action. As well as theoretical background information on the nose of the horse and biomechanics, Draaisma discusses how scentwork improves the horse's learning abilities, development, socialisation and their bond with the handler. Readers will learn how to have their horse explore their environment, participate in scentwork games and follow a footstep track to find a missing person or food bag.

Easily accessible for anybody working with horses at any level, scentwork can be done in small areas as well as in larger spaces on various surfaces. Whether veterinarian, behaviourist, trainer, animal-assisted therapist, equine physiotherapist, osteopath or interested horse owner, this book promises to bring both you and the horse enormous benefits, strengthening the human-animal bond.

Table of Contents

PART 1 EXPLORATION. Brain and biology: what explains these changes?. How to implement exploration in daily life. How to use exploration to address problems.

PART 2 SCENT TRACKING FOR HORSES. Anatomy and physiology. Biomechanics. Background information. The advantages of scent tracking. Practicalities: what you need to know. The four pillars of this method. What materials do you need. Laying a track: tips for beginners. Tracking: step 1- the beginning. How to make tracking more difficult. Scent tracking while riding. From finding a scent bag to finding missing persons. Treat search. Appendix of tools. Bibliography