Lecture Notes: Horse Grooming and Reward System

Key Points

• Horse Grooming Focus Area

  • Horses tend to groom each other on a specific site: on top of the withers or slightly in front.

• Physiological Response

  • Grooming in this area causes the horse's heart rate to lower by approximately 10 beats per minute.
  • This physiological change is an indicator of relaxation and a positive state.

• Implications for Training and Reward

  • This grooming site can be used as a primary reinforcer in horse training.
  • Vigorous scratching in this area can serve as a reward for desired behaviors.

• Associative Learning

  • Pairing a verbal cue such as “good boy” with scratching can create a conditioned reinforcement.
  • Consistency is key—pair the verbal cue with the scratching 100% of the time.
  • Over time, the verbal cue alone can elicit a similar positive response from the horse.

• Underlying Principle

  • The approach taps into an ancient, hardwired reward system within horses.
  • Utilizing natural behaviors and responses enhances the effectiveness of training.

Important Considerations

• Ensure that the word and the action are paired consistently for effective conditioning.
• Understanding the natural behavior and physiological responses of horses can aid in developing effective training and reinforcement strategies.