Better information makes for healthier horses,
Horseadvice.com is where equine science and horse sense intersect.

Behavior Modification, Conditioning, Desensitization, and Counter Conditioning Horses

  edited from a presentation given by Dr. Sue McDonnell by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Three Concepts in Detail » An Example » Warnings and Possible Mistakes You Might Make » Dr. McDonnell offers these other helpful hints: » More Info 

Horses frequently learn to dislike some of the routine procedures that we need to do to them to keep them clean, healthy, and ridable. Some examples are haltering, biting, pasting with dewormers, injections, nasogastric, tubing, genital examination, washing of the penis for breeding, or other manipulation about the head, legs, genitals, or hind quarters. Two of the most effective traditional methods for shaping behavior in other animal species have been conditioning and desensitization. Conditioning involves rewarding the desired behavior and punishing bad behavior. Desensitization means to become use to a stimulus through repeated exposure.

Traditional equine training has relied heavily on punishment to shape a horses behavior and with pretty good results in the experienced hand. Add to this fact that anyone who has hung around a large barn has seen bribing horses with treats as unsuccessful and it is easy to see why there is a perception you can't bribe a horse to be good. However this is contrary to what traditional animal training techniques teach us. Recent changes in training have emphasized the use of positive rewards with some remarkable if somewhat spotty success. Examples would be the natural horseman techniques and clicker training. Now, at the 2000 AAEP convention Dr. Sue M. McDonnell presented an interesting paper on rehabilitating bad horse behavior while in hand using positive reinforcement. In hundreds of cases she says she has been 100% successful with even very hard (read dangerous) cases.

Dr. McDonnell is a PhD at the Equine Behavior Lab at New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, specializes in animal behavior and frequently has dealt with behavior problems is horses that come into New Bolton. In this article I will present her ideas, edited through my own experiences.

I will place quotes from Dr. McDonnell in italics and I will use bold to emphasize points.

Dr. McDonnell says, "We encourage the view that behavior modification is just another opportunity for the horse to learn that it can work for a positive outcome. The work in this case is tolerance of a mildly aversive experience. This view puts the focus on establishing a new positive behavior pattern for the horse (and sometimes for the people) as opposed to eliminating undesirable behavior." Dr. McDonnell goes on, "The methods used rely mostly on positive reinforcement. Excessive restraint and punishment are specifically avoided." and she recommends the following equipment:

  • It is important that a large area that is enclosed with good footing and headroom is important. The area must be free of objects that the horse might crash into. It should be quiet without distractions and the horse should start out relaxed. Perhaps most important is a calm, relaxed trainer and if necessary an assistant.
  • One lead shank with a 28–40' chain lead
  • Sweet feed or other highly palatable food treat
  • A small unique bucket to offer the feed to the horse
  • Comfortable safety vest, helmet, and shoes as preferred to afford greater confidence
  • Items for the procedure that the horse resists.
From Dr. McDonnell's philosophy three related training concepts fall out that the horse should learn:
  • The procedure really does not hurt (that much).
  • A reward will follow the stimulus.
  • Resistance will not change the trainer’s behavior.
      ~Word Count: 2521 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: September 08, 2009;

There are 2 ways to access the complete article:

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways: either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer. Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry. This is for a limited time!
BBB Reliability Seal Your assurance of excellent customer service.
128 bit SSL encryption We use 128 bit SSL encryption, so your order is secure.

#1: Article Purchase: $7 US for instant access to the unabridged article.

We guarantee your satisfaction or we will refund the purchase price:

#2 Join Horseadvice: for as little as $4 US a month you get instant access to this article and one of the finest equine resources in the world!

During our membership drive we will waive our 10$ Join Fee!

Full Access with No Posting: 4$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources, including articles and discussions, but does not feel the need to post to the discussion boards.
  • 14$ 4$ US to join which includes the first month. Membership automatically renews monthly for 4$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Access Membership
Price: 14$ US
Membership Drive Price: 4$ US
(includes first month access)

Full Access with Discussion Posting: 7$ US a month

  • Recommended to those who wish to have full access to one of the finest equine resources anywhere and engage an equine veterinarian and experienced horsefolks with questions and discussions on all aspects of horses and horsemanship.
  • 31$ 21$ US to join, which includes the first 3 months. Membership then automatically renews monthly for 7$ US. You may cancel anytime online.
Full Service Membership
Price: 31$ US
Membership Drive Price: 21$ US
(includes 3 months service)

Uncertain if you want to become part of one of the finest most up-to-date equine resources in the world? Click Here for More Information!

|
Discussions on Behavior Modification, Conditioning, Desensitization, and Counterconditioning
  Titles Subtopics Posts Updated
iconBucking, stop and dropOct 7, 09
iconDo horses get jealous?Sep 30, 09
iconI taught him he could say "no!"12 Jul 28, 09
iconTreating draft horse scratches without restraint26 Jul 12, 09
iconUnwanted Behavior Under Saddle in Ring21 Jun 18, 09
iconOne sided training?12 Jun 12, 09
iconNew Horse, okay, now I have questions...29 Sep 5, 08
iconTerrified horseAug 24, 08
iconHorse Spooks When DismountingJul 12, 08
iconMy horse will not lie down22 Jun 3, 08
iconLeading ProblemsMar 19, 08
iconBiting.. 36 Apr 5, 08
iconIn my spaceNov 4, 07
icon"beating a dead horse" (or in this case-pony)42 Oct 19, 07
iconMule objects to hoof being held captiveAug 14, 06
iconFoal imprinting: blessing or curse?19 Aug 8, 06
iconHow to discipline young foals10 May 19, 06
iconGREAT pony .. BAD pony 22 Mar 22, 06
iconKicking out at riding whipFeb 2, 06
iconOthers' thoughts...23 Jan 19, 06
iconTB goes insane when seperated from pasture mate Oct 19, 05
iconIs my horse insane? He's like Jekyll and HydeMay 5, 05
iconFear of Right rear Leg being liftedMar 4, 05
iconRearing in crossties39 Apr 14, 04
iconArenasDec 19, 03
iconHorse attacks his feild mate for no reason10 Oct 25, 03
iconStill kicking a year on13 Jul 13, 03
iconMare rears up while cinching saddle21 Oct 27, 02
iconHorse that won't take the bridle14 Jul 31, 02
iconWhat are everyone's thoughts on the memory..15 Jul 22, 02
iconPrecocious FillyJun 17, 02
iconGrooming problems/biting & kickingJun 10, 02
iconHorse is afraid of being bridled14 Apr 1, 04
iconArchived DiscussionsClick link to access data.
Before posting be sure to review the articles on your topic and preexisting discussions to see if your question has been answered.

Start a New Discussion
Home Page | Todays Discussions | Search | Top of Page Administration
  http://www.horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 2009
BBB Reliability Seal