Evaluating the Addition of Positive Reinforcement for Learning a Frightening Task: A Pilot Study With Horses
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
Camie Heleski, Laura Bauson, Nora Bello |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
Keywords: |
arabian horses, horses, learning, negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement, training |
ISBN: |
1088-8705 |
Abstract:
Horse training often relies upon negative reinforcement (NR). This study tested the hypothesis that adding positive reinforcement (PR) to NR would enhance learning in horses (n = 34) being taught to walk over a tarp (novel/typically frightening task). Subjects were Arabians, and the same person handled all of them. This person handled half “traditionally” (NR only)–that is, halter/lead were pulled; when horse stepped forward, pressure was released; process repeated until criterion met (horse crossed the tarp with little/no obvious anxiety). The same person handled the other half traditionally–but with addition of PR < food + verbal praise > (NR + PR). Subjects “failed” the task if they refused to walk onto the tarp after 10 min. Nine horses failed; 6 of 9 failures were from NR only–no significant difference detected (p = .41). The study detected no difference in time to first crossing of the tarp (p = .30) or total time to achieve calmness criterion (p = .67). Overall, adding PR did not significantly enhance learning this task. However, there were practical implications–adding PR made the task safer/less fatiguing for the handler.