Authors: Warren-Smith, Amanda K.; McGreevy, Paul D.

Source: Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, Volume 21, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 153-162(10)

Publisher: Berg Publishers

Abstract:

To assess the knowledge of learning theory among accredited equestrian coaches in Australia, a 20-item questionnaire was distributed to all coaches registered with the National Coaches Accreditation Scheme in Australia (n = 830). Of the 206 respondents, 79.5% considered positive reinforcement to be "very useful," yet only 2.8% correctly explained its use in horse training. When asked about the usefulness of negative reinforcement, 19.3% of coaches considered it "very useful," with 11.9% correctly explaining its use. Punishment was rated "very useful" by 5.2% of respondents, although only eight coaches (5.4%) explained punishment correctly. Release of pressure was considered the most effective reward for horses among respondents (78.2%). These results indicate that many equestrian coaches lack a correct understanding of positive and negative reinforcement as they apply to horse training. Given that qualified coaches play a significant role in the dissemination of information on training practices, this highlights the need for improved education of equestrian coaches. Education to remedy this situation has the potential to enhance the welfare of horses through reduced behavioral conflict and improve training outcomes.

Keywords: BEHAVIOR; HORSE; REINFORCEMENT; TRAINING; WELFARE

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/175303708X305800

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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