The role of reinforcement in equitation

Millions of horses worldwide are subjected to various training and management routines by people of various levels of ability. Such interventions can have detrimental impacts on the welfare of these horses. Therefore, improving the way horses are trained and managed is of great importance. By applying the principles of learning theory to training, and combining these with those of equine ethology, the training and management of horses can be improved. The current project examined the role of reinforcement in equitation through the following series of studies: 1. A survey of all registered equestrian coaches within Australia to determine their knowledge of learning theory. 2. The concurrent use of positive and negative reinforcement. 3. The optimal timing of reinforcement when teaching foals to lead. 4. The development of a low-cost sensor and ambulatory recording system (worn on the horse) that can be used in everyday training to measure the tensions in the reins of ridden horses. 5. The measurement of rein tensions required for horses to elicit specific equitation movements