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Bright Horse & Hound

Bright Horse & Hound

By: Barbara J. Hardman
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About this listen

🎙️ Bright Horse & Hound


I’m Barbara J. Hardman, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with a BSc in Zoology (Hons) and an MSc in Equine Science (Distinction). I’ve published research in equine behaviour and spent years in clinical research and pharmaceuticals before setting up my own practice.


The Bright Horse & Hound Podcast is where I share bite-sized episodes on canine and equine behaviour. Each one links back to my written blogs, offering accessible insights into the science and background of behaviour.


This is very much a labour of love, a way to bring together my academic background, practical experience, and passion for animals. Whether you’re an owner, student, or simply curious about behaviour, I hope you’ll find these episodes informative, fun, and full of answers to some of the questions you may have about your horse or hound.

© 2025 Bright Horse & Hound Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Quick Wins, Not Quick Fixes.

    Quick Wins, Not Quick Fixes.
    Dec 31 2025

    Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthorse.ie/blog/quickwin/

    This podscast explores why wanting a quick fix in dog and horse behaviour is completely normal and rooted in psychology, not laziness. We look at motivation, stress, quick wins, and how the right support can break big behaviour goals into achievable steps without shame.

    📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

    🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

    🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

    ☎️+353 85 143 8688
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    31 mins
  • Beyond Tradition, What is Fox Hunting, Animal Welfare, and Public Interest in Ireland?

    Beyond Tradition, What is Fox Hunting, Animal Welfare, and Public Interest in Ireland?
    Dec 13 2025

    In this episode, Clinical Animal Behaviourist Barbara Hardman responds to a publicly circulated Instagram video advocating against the proposed ban on fox hunting in Ireland.

    https://www.instagram.com/antler_challenge?igsh=MWR0cHRpbWVhbTl2cg==

    As the Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025 progresses through the Dáil, this episode examines the claims being made in defence of fox hunting and asks whether they stand up to scrutiny when viewed through the lenses of animal welfare science, behaviour, psychology, ethics, and public evidence.

    Using short excerpts from the original video for context, where I critically analyses recurring arguments around animal “purpose,” equine bravery, mental health, resilience, parenting, community, and rural life. I separates genuine human needs, such as connection, wellbeing, and belonging, from the practices being used to justify them, and challenges the idea that animal harm is necessary to meet those needs.

    This is not a personal attack, nor a rejection of people’s lived experiences. It is a claim-by-claim examination of rhetoric, assumptions, and evidence, grounded in professional expertise and public-interest discussion.

    With public polling indicating that a clear majority of Irish people support a ban on fox hunting, this episode also explores questions of equity, representation, and responsibility, including who gets to speak for “community,” and who bears the cost when animals have no voice at all.

    📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

    🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

    🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

    ☎️+353 85 143 8688
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    28 mins
  • The Root Causes of Aggression in Dogs

    The Root Causes of Aggression in Dogs
    Sep 4 2025

    Read Complimentary Blog: https://www.brighthound.ie/blog/dogaggression/

    Exploring the behavioural, Environmental, and Psychological Factors Behind Canine Aggression and How to Address Them

    📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie

    🌐https://www.brighthorse.ie/

    🌐https://www.brighthound.ie/

    ☎️+353 85 143 8688
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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