How do horses learn?

Horses know how they learn - we can help them best if we also understand it. Gemma Pearson FRCVS explains the first two levels of learning theory

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It is stating the obvious to say that we need to understand the processes through which horses learn to be able to train them effectively. Yet, multiple studies have shown that an understanding of the basic “nuts and bolts” of how horses learn is poorly understood by both professionals and amateurs alike. So let’s have a recap...

Learning theory describes the processes through which horses learn, and is split into different levels of complexity. The first three levels are the most important for horse training, and in this issue we will cover the first two levels, with the third level discussed in next week’s issue (20 March).

NON-ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING

THIS is the first level of learning theory. When a horse encounters a stimulus repeatedly, they either habituate that is, get used to it or become sensitised, which is when they become more likely to react to it. What people often don't realise is that which one occurs depends on the horse's perception of the potential for it to cause them harm, not whether the threat is real or not.

This might sound silly surely a horse will get used to things that don't hurt it? But consider how many people fear spiders, and how many of them have actually been harmed by one? Realistically spiders are no threat to us at least, not in the UK - yet they still elicit a fear response in many people. The sight of a spider triggers a reaction in the amygdala - the fear centre in the brain - and this memory of fear is then stored for next time.

So the next time your horse is scared of something you think they shouldn't be, don't get frustrated. Instead focus on training them to be confident and you will find they get braver over time.