Lesson 2: Equine Learning Theory Part 1

Question 1

Define habituation

Answer 1

Habituation is when a horse gets used to a stimulus, for example a car driving past in traffic

Question 2

Define Sensitisation

Answer 2

Sensitisation is when A horse learns to avoid and Jack’s bigger in a bold way for example spooking at a car driving past in traffic

Question 3

Positives of Sensitisation 

Answer 3

This keeps a horse alive, for example a rustling bush will indicate a threat. After exposure to a stimulus that will result in sensitization the horse may remain in a heightened state of awareness

Question 4

Negatives of Sensitisation

Answer 4

It can’t be dangerous for a horse to become to sensitised

Question 5

Give an example of how a young horse can become habituated 

Answer 5

Kept in a field next to a busy board

Question 6

How long does it take for a horse to become habituated

Answer 6

This depends on the frequency and regularity of the stimulus, if the stimulus is not presented for a long. The degree of habituation may be forgotten. Human interaction and sensitization can accelerate the habituation process

Question 7

What is a high level of arousal?

Answer 7

A stressed horse

Question 8

Challenging stimuli to a horse

Answer 8

Large, sudden, erratic

Question 9

Name some problems caused by habituation

Answer 9

A hard mouth caused by constant bit pressure, (dead to the leg) habituated to leg aids constant leg pressure

Question 10

Define learned helplessness

Answer 10

When a horse learns to deal with a situation even when they are in pain. As horses develop a pain stimulus that is inescapable the animal will give up as a new response and training because previous efforts have been futile

Question 11

The problems with the bit contact 

Answer 11

The balance needs to be that horses need to habituate to contact but be sensitive to an aid. This can be difficult for inexperienced riders