Proceedings

Training Principle 4 - Shape responses and movements
DOES YOUR TRAINING DEMONSTRATE: that, for any trained behaviour, training begins by
reinforcing basic attempts at the target behaviour and then gradually improving approximations
of that behaviour?
It is important to have a plan when training a horse to perform a new response. The horse’s
initial responses should be rewarded. As training progresses the horse should only be rewarded
for responses that become more and more similar to the ultimate goal.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: Poor use of shaping can lead to confusion and responses that
compromise equine understanding and performance.
Training Principle 5 - Elicit responses one-at-a-time
DOES YOUR TRAINING DEMONSTRATE: that individual cues/signals are separated in time
from each other?
Giving the horse multiple signals at the same time can result in a reduction in responding of any
required behaviour. This is because the horse is unable to process two or more signals
concurrently as both compete for the horse’s attention. Especially the use of opposite signals
(such as acceleration and deceleration) at the same time should be avoided. In the early stages
of training, signals should be well separated however eventually they can be given closer
together.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: The use of opposite signals at the same time can confuse the
horse, through weakening the trained link between signal and behaviour/response, and quickly
lead to stress and consequently responses that compromise horse performance and welfare,
and rider safety.
Training Principle 6 - Train only one response per signal
DOES YOUR TRAINING DEMONSTRATE: that each signal elicits a single response?
While each response may be elicited by a variety of signals (i.e. rein cue or lead rope) it is most
important that each signal elicits only one response. If the same signal is used to elicit more than
one response, confusion begins to set in as predictability decreases.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS: The use of ambiguous rein and leg signals lead to confusion, stress
and responses that compromise performance and rider safety.
Training Principle 7 - Form consistent habits
DOES YOUR TRAINING DEMONSTRATE: consistency?
When training new responses it is important that the same signals are used on the same part of
the horse’s body, or in the same location relative to the horse’s body and that all contextual
aspects such as place, equipment and person are kept constant. This is because during the
acquisition of new responses, all contextual information is initially included in the array of stimuli
associated with the particular response, and maintaining consistency promotes efficient uptake
of the associated cue and avoids excessive stress of prolonged training. Once each response is
reliably given in response to the signal used, contextual aspects can be gradually removed.
Similarly when training inter-gait and intra-gait transitions, consistency in both the delivery of
associated signals and the timeframe in which the responses are elicited and reinforced is
essential to promote efficient learning and to avoid confusion.
© International Society for Equitation Science 2016
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