“Bad Science, Good Horsemanship” a Myth Busting Guide

“The IH Guide to Bad Science” by Dr. Veronica Fowler provides a thought-provoking and accessible examination of how flawed scientific studies can mislead horse owners, trainers, and professionals. Through a series of six critical articles, Dr. Fowler—a seasoned researcher in equine welfare—unpacks common issues in equine science reporting and interpretation, promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy within the Intelligent Horsemanship community.

The guide is structured as six standalone articles, each addressing a widely circulated study or claim:

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Article 1 – The Importance of Getting a Proper Diagnosis
Stresses how misdiagnosis in veterinary care can have profound consequences on horse welfare and management. Dr. Fowler argues for evidence-based approaches and thorough clinical evaluation.

Article 2 – Dually Bad Science
Dissects a published study on the Dually® halter, highlighting major methodological flaws such as incorrect fitting and lack of proper training. She argues that the conclusions about discomfort and ineffectiveness are invalid due to these oversights, offering an informed critique on how to properly assess training equipment.

Article 3 – Can Horses Recognise Emotions in Human Photos?
Challenges claims that horses can accurately interpret human emotions from photographs, questioning the robustness of the study design and warning against over-interpretation of minimal behavioral responses.

Article 4 – Is Snorting a Sign of a Happy Horse?
Examines the claim that snorting is a reliable indicator of equine happiness, highlighting the need for more nuanced interpretation of behavior and cautioning against simplifying complex emotional states into single cues.

Article 5 – From “Happy” Horses to “Smiling” Horses
Critiques sensationalized claims about horses “smiling,” unpacking anthropomorphic tendencies and calling for a better understanding of facial expressions in equine ethology.

Article 6 – The Horse in Striped Pyjamas
Investigates the claim that zebra-striped rugs deter flies, exploring the limitations in experimental design and the need for replicable, controlled studies before practical conclusions are drawn.

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Key Themes and Takeaways:

• Scientific Skepticism: Not all published science is good science. Always ask: was the methodology sound?
• Training Equipment Must Be Understood and Taught: Tools like the Dually® require education for both horse and handler.
• Anthropomorphism Caution: Interpreting animal behavior through a human lens can lead to misleading conclusions.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Decisions in equine care and training should rely on well-conducted, peer-reviewed science—not just headlines or trends.

In Summary:
Dr. Fowler’s guide is an essential read for horse owners and equestrian professionals who want to make informed decisions grounded in reliable science. It empowers readers to question assumptions, scrutinize scientific claims, and apply critical thinking to improve horse welfare and training practices.