Horse Evolution And Behavior

Question 0

Types of associative behavior in horses

Answer 0

Classical conditioning: gains response to new stimulus by association with old stimulus (racing grooms whistling when horse urinates so later whistling causes horse to urinate)

Operant conditioning: response to a given stimulus being positively or negatively reinforced by trainer (food reward for horse putting head in head collar is positive, slowing speed in response to force of but in mouth is negative)

Question 1

Types of Non-associative learning in horses

Answer 1

Habituation: stimulus presented enough times to make instinctive behaviors disappear ex. Bridling, saddling, riding

Sensitization: opposite of habituation, increase in response after repeated presentations, stimulus must be intrinsically pleasant or aversive

Question 2

What does proper training generally involve?

Answer 2

Operant learning principles

Timing of reward is essential