Basic Learning Theory in Horses

What is habituation in the context of equine learning?

• Learning by being rewarded

• Getting used to something over time

• Learning by punishment

• Pairing a stimulus with a reflex

What does positive reinforcement involve?

• Adding something unpleasant

• Removing something pleasant

• Adding something the horse likes

• Ignoring the horse

What is an example of negative reinforcement?

• Taking away food

• Adding something unpleasant

• Applying then removing pressure

• Giving a treat

Which of the following should ideally be avoided?

• Positive reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement

• Positive punishment

• Classical conditioning

What is shaping in equine training?

• Pairing food with a bell

• Getting a horse used to traffic

• Gradually asking for more from the horse

• Punishing a horse

Who identified classical conditioning?

• Justine Harrison

• Ivan Pavlov

• A horse trainer

• A behaviorist

What is an example of positive punishment?

• Removing pressure when a horse stops

• Giving a treat

• Ignoring the horse

• Adding something unpleasant to reduce a behavior

What is negative punishment?

• Applying pressure

• Removing something the horse likes

• Adding something unpleasant

• Giving food