Learning Theory describes the ways in which animals learn and thus establishes clear guidelines for correct training practices and methods of behavior modification. Dr Andrew McLean is one of the most vocal advocates for the use of Equine Learning Theory in training horses. Dr McLean holds a PhD in equine cognition and learning, in addition to being a coach, winner of the advanced section of the famous Gawler Three-Day-Event, representing Australia in Horse Trials and being short-listed for the World Championships. Erica is the first person in the United States to earn a Diploma of Equitation Science from Dr. Andrew McLean’s International course on Equine Learning Theory.
When riders understand how horses learn, they become more effective training partners. Using learning theory, the horse is taught in such a way that it is easy for him to learn because it makes sense to him and reduces any potential confusion. Because of this, learning theory results in calmer, safer, much more relaxed horses that are more reliable in their responses. It also results in horses that are trained to respond from light cues. Horses that are trained without the application of learning theory often suffer from incorrect and painful use of pressures. This has significant welfare and safety implications and can lead to unwanted behaviors.
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Non-associative Learning:
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Habituation: This occurs when horses get used to a stimulant through
the process of desensitization and stops
reacting in a fearful way.
The techniques used for desensitization are:
- systematic desensitization,
- approach conditioning,
- overshadowing,
- and counterconditioning.
- Sensitization: A learning process that occurs when an animal learns to react more quickly to a stimulus each time it is presented to him. A great example of sensitization occurs when a horse learns to respond more quickly to leg aids. He becomes sensitized to the feel of pressure against his sides.
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Habituation: This occurs when horses get used to a stimulant through
the process of desensitization and stops
reacting in a fearful way.
The techniques used for desensitization are:
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Associative Learning: involving a relationship between
2 events that are paired. There are two types of Associative learning:
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Operant Conditioning:
Operant conditioning is also known as trial and error learning.
When we first ask for a certain response in the horse, such as
a step back, the horse does not know what we want. So he trials certain
behaviors and the trainer's job is to reinforce the correct behavior.
There are two main methods of doing this:
- Negative reinforcement: When the horse elicits the right response, we immediately take away or release the pressure we have used to ask for the step back from a lead rope or a bridle. The pressure motivates the horse to do something, but the release of pressure is what trains the correct response.
- Positive reinforcement: Another method of reinforcing a desired response from the horse is known as positive reinforcement. An example would be when the horse trials the correct response, we reinforce that behavior with something positive, such as a treat or a rub on the withers. Clicker training uses strictly positive reinforcement.
- Classical Conditioning: Also called Pavlovian conditioning. In classical conditioning the horse learns a relationship between two stimuli. The most common form of classical conditioning in riding and training horses is the use of the voice aids and the seat aids. The cues of voice or seat are given immediately before asking for the desired behavior using the operant pressure of a rein or leg aid. This results in the horse associating the cues with the pressure of the aid. An example would be to say whoa and stop your seat immediately before you use your operant of rein pressure to halt the horse. Eventually, through classical conditioning, the horse will associate your seat change and your voice command of whoa with the rein pressure and begin to halt before you have to use the rein pressure. This is what most riders want, a horse that is completely responsive from seat cues.
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Operant Conditioning:
Operant conditioning is also known as trial and error learning.
When we first ask for a certain response in the horse, such as
a step back, the horse does not know what we want. So he trials certain
behaviors and the trainer's job is to reinforce the correct behavior.
There are two main methods of doing this:
- Shaping: Shaping behavior is when the trainer builds incrementally on an initial basic response to develop the ultimate desired outcome. For example The trainer might initially just ask the horse to take one step forward and reward that behavior. Once that response is confirmed, the trainer might then ask the horse to go forward for a complete stride. Next the trainer might ask the horse to continue to walk forward without any pressure until asked to stop. Later the trainer could vary the speed of the horse and have him walk faster and slower, or shorter and longer. Thus the trainer is shaping behavior from a beginning response to a more complex behavior. This complex behavior ultimately could be the combination of many responses, such as a combination of a turn and a yield response developing into half pass in dressage. Most good trainers are shaping responses from tiny improvements to the final outcome.
Dr Andrew McLean explains the value of learning theory in this excellent 50 minute video presentation from Equitana 2011:
To learn more visit Dr McLean's website
To Schedule an Seat Lesson or Equine Learning Theory Consultation:
Contact Erica at erica@gotseat.com or
call Erica at (831) 206-9613
Long distance Video Consultations also available, click
Here
for more details.
