Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012

International Equine Science Meeting 2012

Why isolate during training?

Social learning and social cognition applied as training approach for young horses

(Equus caballus)

Francesco De Giorgio - José Schoorl

16 march 2012 – IESM 2012

www.hetcognitievepaard.nl

Introduction

So why isolate during training?

The horse is a social animal


Introduction In the last decade an increasing

number of studies has been oriented towards equine social learning and their social behavior within the herd

Still‚ when it comes to horse training, the social aspect and‚ in general‚ cognitive abilities of the horse are rarely taken into account.

Although it is widely accepted that social isolation is stressful for horse still isolating a young horse is the first step when it comes to training methods.


Social isolation = StressEspecially when we

start the young horse’s

training


Also this is … ISOLATION

When other horses aren’t as a family group, there is no communication

between the horses/no reassurance


A HORSE IS A SOCIAL ANIMAL

Especially during learning

------The horse

elaborates a new experience also

through the others


So what if.. We would work with young horses in their own

herd?

Without isolating them or changing their environment?


Material, method and…horses

Six young horses from semi feral situations: between two and three years old.All six showed initial difficulties and defense behavior to human interaction

Three stallions (bachelor group), two of them with family relationships

Three females, two of them with family relationships



TRAINING AREA: Pasture area (never in a restricted area)



Each horse had one training session (10’) per week, without isolating them, for a period of 18 months.

One horse “works” while the others are watching and learn by observation



Every time a minimum of alert behavior would occur (for example slightly backing away, resistance instead of curiosity) the training activity was re-arranged to not over-pressure the horse.



Every trainer working with the horses carried out the activities without tight expectations focusing onthe horses’ positive attention and voluntary approach, observing ear movements, eye movements, head position, muscle tension, ecc.


RESULTS


Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”

from 0 to 6 months (144 sessions)

Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 4 Kicking: 5




Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 1 Kicking: none




Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: none Kicking: none


Learning Results at 6 months

Haltering: allSaddling: noneRiding: none

Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior


Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none




Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none




Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: all




GENERAL RESULTSSix balanced horsesNo signs of defence in human interactionCalm and explorative in unknown situationsVery social towards (unknown) human


DISCUSSIONDefensive and reactive behaviors seems to have beenreduced and welfare as the horses have been trained

in a social context without being isolated and thuswithout being stressed during the training experience.

More time if social learning and social cognitive learning is applied? Learning at the horses pace with other horses

present?

18 months, 10 minutes per week is 12 “training” hours in total per horse, from a semi feral horse, to a calm riding horse.


CONCLUSIONSocial learning applied to equestrian activity can be fundamental for:

Safety and welfare

Horses calm and not tended to flight or “spook”

Communication without tension between horse-human

Reduction of behavioral and relationship problem, between horse and human

Good results about horse learning and training, with relatively less time spent and more ethical approach


CONCLUSIONMaximum result with minimum effort

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Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012

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