Take it One Hoof at a Time

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Whenever you meet a new horse, or if you own a horse, there are some scientific strategies to help you bond and teach the horse desired behavior from him to be a good boy before thinking of riding him\her.

Horses and ABA

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), also called behavioral engineering, is a scientific technique concerned with applying empirical approaches based upon the principles of respondent and operant conditioning to change behavior of social significance. When working with horses, a primary reinforcer is food; for example, carrots. So, if you want to get to know a new horse, you need to pair yourself with food like carrots because this increases the chances of the horse liking you. Then, you can gradually add demands or tasks for the horse to do so he can learn new skills and reach his full potential.

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Using Task analysis and Reinforcement with horses

When your horse finds a behavior or a skill difficult to do, gradually break down a task. For example, if you want to teach your horse how to load on the trailer, the first step is having the horse stand and just look at the trailer from a distance as he gives you a glance reinforce his glance with his favorite treat then then gradually move closer and closer to the trailer reinforce each small step as it happens. Repeat until the horse knows how enter the trailer without spooking. Don’t forget to gradually fade the reinforcer so the horse doesn’t depend on it by expecting it after every skill or behavior.

In conclusion, Horses are beautiful creatures similar to the mind of a two-year child; so they need time, love. Patience and dedication to learn any skill. All they need from hoomans like us is a hooman who is willing to be there for them and teach them the skills that they need to reach their full potential and succeed in life.