Knowledge and Practical Application of Learning Theory in Equine Training.

Learning theories applied to training are a major aspect of Equitation Science. Learning Theory (LT) explains why and how animals learn - in every species from humans to horses. However, most horse training practices have been in existence longer than LT, or the understanding of an animal's learning and cognitive processes. Because of this, there is very little use or even acknowledgement of LT in most training techniques. The need to investigate into LT applied to equitation is necessary to improving the practice of riding. This new knowledge, combining equitation and LT, could be used to make training more ethical, sustainable, and safer for both horse and the rider or handler. The topic of LT has become more relevant also in the veterinary field. In recent years, there has been a call to improve understanding of LT and ES in equine veterinarian programs. Equine Veterinarian Practitioner programs go more into these topics because knowledge of these subjects has been shown to both reduce numbers of injuries and increase clinical efficacy. This paper, using a survey, investigated the current knowledge among practitioners regarding their understanding and application of learning theory. Two of the handling aspects with the lowest scores were ability to recognize avoidance behaviors (AB) in regards to the application of a negative stimulus and proper use of the whip. These findings guided follow-up research consisting of a few things. First, the creation of a simple protocol that was effective in reducing AB during handling procedures. Second, a scientific demonstration of the correct use of the whip. Since most of the techniques at the disposal of practitioners to address AB are based on restraint, non-associative learning or classical conditioning, it was theorized that the root of problems could be that AB starts as a Fight or Flight response but quickly becomes an organized operant conditioned response. It was hypothesized that a behavior modification technique should be rooted in operant conditioning. Several solutions were considered until it was decided to implement and test a behavior modification based on Differential Negative Reinforcement of an Incompatible Behavior (DNRI). Another topic investigated the different modalities of the use of the whip. This showed that the most effective and humane way to use the whip to communicate with the horse is a constant tapping, with intervals under a second. The research has shown that combining LT with equitation greatly improve safety, welfare and efficacy. In particular, it has proven that DNRI is an effective behavior modification technique to be used during routine husbandry and veterinary procedures. It's common for horses to show AB during such procedures and practitioners need to constantly train to extinguish those unwanted behaviors. DNRI is efficient, as it does not require multiple skilled people to be implemented, just one person can apply the sequence and modify the behaviors.