Horse Makeovers
A Positive Method for Training Horses
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Foreword
What is Behavior Modification for Horses? The basis for answering this question about horse behavior comes from the science and research about learning theory. Over 75 years of scientific research explains the theories about how animals learn. The foundation of learning theory is explained by applied behavior analysis, methods of behavior modification, and operant conditioning. A simple explanation of these principles is that behavior followed by an event, such as a reinforcer, will increase the occurrence of that behavior. When any behavior is connected to a cue, the cue becomes a training tool. The solution to horse-training problems lies in the teaching of a new cue. This brief explanation of the principles of behavior modification includes several important key points.
Key Points
Identify BehaviorOften the training of horse behavior fails to identify the specific horse behavior and uses emotional words that don’t identity what behavior the horse should perform. The first step is to identify the specific identifiable behavior to be observed. This is called a behavioral objective or outcome. The trainer visually identifies and reinforces one behavior. Behavior observation and identification are a key element for training One Task at a Time The techniques of behavior modification include several tools. It is important for the trainer to understand that these tools are powerful and need to be seriously and carefully implemented with consistent repetition to be effective. Learning to read isn’t completed in one session and neither do horses learn behavior in one quick session. Difficult behaviors, such as reading, are learned one easy task at a time and add other more complicated tasks until the final goal is reached. So it is with horses, especially when retraining. One task is learned per training session with successive tasks taught as the horse learns the previous behavior.
Behavior Reinforcement Procedures
The next part of teaching horse behavior is the use of behavior reinforcement to strengthen desired performance. Often the concept of reinforcement is inaccurately described as treats and rewards. Positive reinforcement is the precise delivery of either primary or secondary reinforcement delivered for the correct performance of behavior. For this lesson the concepts of positive reinforcement using primary and secondary reinforcers identified as:
2. Secondary reinforcers -cues taught by the trainer by combining a “stand in” signal with a primary reinforcer.
Horses learn secondary reinforcers even though it wasn’t purposefully taught. An example is the sound of such items as a car, door, etc. that has been connected with the delivery of food. Food is a powerful reinforcer because it is at the base of survival and it doesn’t have to be taught. Horse Makeovers: A Positive Method for Training Horses Horse Makeovers continues the ideas and examples provided in the book Behavior Modification for Horses: A Positive Method for Training Horses. This book covers details about the specific tools of using behavior modification. This new edition has additional material about how to use the tool of Behavioral Science, including examples of how to solve behavioral problems.
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About the Book
Horses are beautiful creatures who respond favorably to humans because we have the ability to create a positive relationship with them. But how do we create a positive learning environment that will obtain desirable behavior from horses? In her guidebook, a professional educator and Grand Prix dressage horse trainer shares step-by-step lessons and powerful tools of behavior modification that will help horse trainers and riders create successful horse performance.
Dr. Patti Dammier relies on over twenty-five years of experience in horse training and professional research and education to offer an innovative approach that uses scientific evidence to teach basic principles of behavior change. Through her methods, case studies, and key points, riders and horse trainers will learn how to:
Establish goals and objectives specifi cally tailored for each horse Create reasonable and achievable lessons Develop rider aids and cues that reward behavior Decrease undesirable behavior without unnecessary force Manage risk and ensure a safe learning environmentHorse Makeovers is a guidebook for anyone eager to learn an educated approach to training horses that utilizes proven scientific research, resources of learning theory, and techniques of positive motivation to achieve results.
About the Author
Patti Dammier, PhD is a professional educator and a Grand Prix dressage horse trainer with over twenty-five years of experience in research and education. She has a PhD in Psychology and continues to research both human / animal performance and motivation, specializing in risk management. Dr. Dammier resides in Roy, Washington. This is her fourth book.