Classical Conditioning- The key to creating magic with your horse!

Have you ever noticed that some people get their horse to do things as if by magic?  They are communicating to their horse, it's just that the cues are so subtle you can't see them. Difficult and almost impossible movements are performed with just the push of some imaginary button. Do you spend hours looking and studying, trying to figure out what they are doing? Hoping that someday you can be just as good?

Well you no longer have to be in the dark. This article is going to  discuss the principle of Classical Conditioning; which is the key to creating that magic with your horse.

Classical Conditioning is a principle that addresses an animal's ability to make associations. This ability is crucial to their mental and emotional well being. Without reliable associations the horse becomes a nervous wreck.

We can help the horse to function better in our world if we understand how and why they make associations. Communicating and training also becomes easier when we work within the natural boundaries of the horse. Keeping them calmer and more relaxed during the training process. 

The secret to having your horse perform as if by magic, is to train the horse to make the correct associations.

What you need to know first.
 
Horses are always making associations. These associations tell the horse what is about to happen next. To which they can react accordingly, whether it be an instinctive reaction or a trained movement. If they hear or see something that is associated with danger they will instantly react to protect themselves. Likewise, movements can be achieved by linking or connecting them to specific signals. These signals include facial gestures, sounds, shifts of weight in the saddle, or slight movements of the rider's leg. All of these can become "buttons" that when pushed the horse responds appropriately.

A very simple example of this is seen at feeding time. If the feed door squeaks (a signal) when opened, an association is made between the squeak and getting fed. With just a few repetitions of hearing the squeak and getting fed the horse will be standing at the gate, ready to come in and get some grub when they hear the squeak. By following the steps below making other associations can be just as easy.

Signals must be reinforced

A signal can not cause the horse to do anything. It must be reinforced in order to achieve a response. If the horse is not fed after the feed door squeaks, an association will never be made. In turn, the horse will not be waiting at the gate. By properly reinforcing the signal, using negative or positive reinforcement, the horse will quickly learn to respond to the signal alone.

Signals must be given in the same manner every time

Changing the way a signal is given confuses the horse. Putting oil on the hinges of the door will reduce the squeak. This changes the signal the horse has been used to hearing. Without being able to hear the signal the horse will no longer respond in the same manner.

As prey animals, they read body language very good. They can sense when things are different, or when a signal has changed. Even though the signal seems the same to us, it is like talking in another unfamiliar language to them. Keeping the signals the same, even if we are mad and upset, will help them from getting confused.

Signals must be given first

Signals, to be effective, must be given first in any cue sequence. If the horse was fed and then heard the squeak of the door, no association would be made between the sound and food. For the squeak to be used by the horse, it must come first.

The proper response must be achieved within 3- 5 seconds

If the door squeaked and then a half hour elapsed before the horse got any food, the association would eventually just go away. In order for the horse to make the correct association, the signal and the response must occur within 3-5 seconds of each other.

Many times they will key in on another cue or signal unknown to us. This is why horses anticipate the rider causing much frustration and anger. They have simply keyed in on another signal. Unfortunately, the rider is left in the dark as to what that signal might be.

Signals cannot thoroughly train the horse!

Horses cannot be trained thoroughly using signals alone. Squeaking the door alone will not train the horse to be waiting at the gate. Feeding the horse, which is positive reinforcement, will be the only successful way to make sure the horse is waiting at the gate. To have an obedient horse, one that responds to signals correctly, adequate reinforcement must be used through out the horse's life.

The horse cannot shut off their ability to look for signals

Never expect the horse to shut off this amazing ability. There is no off button. As prey animals, their survival depends on paying attention to their surroundings. While this may seem a little overwhelming, signals can become second nature to us with a little work. Making them the preferred language we use with our horses.
 
In conclusion, creating magic with your horse is simple and can be a source of joy and constant amazement. At first, it may be difficult to give signals correctly. However, with time and practice you will be making your own and refining them to a point where only your horse knows. That is when you have found the magic!