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Author Mills, D.S.
Title Applying learning theory to the management of the horse: the difference between getting it right and getting it wrong Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine veterinary journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 27 Pages 44-48
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; *Learning; Reinforcement (Psychology)
Abstract Horses constantly modify their behaviour as a result of experience. This involves the creation of an association between events or stimuli. The influence of people on the modification and generation of certain behaviour patterns extends beyond the intentional training of the horse. The impact of any action depends on how it is perceived by the horse, rather than the motive of the handler. Negative and positive reinforcement increase the probability of specific behaviours recurring i.e. strengthen the association between events, whereas punishment reduces the probable recurrence of a behaviour without providing specific information about the desired alternative. In this paper the term 'punishers' is used to refer to the physical aids, such as a whip or crop, which may be used to bring about the process of punishment. However, if their application ceases when a specific behaviour occurs they may negatively reinforce that action. Intended 'punishers' may also be rewarding (e.g. for attention seeking behaviour). Therefore, contingency factors (which define the relationship between stimuli, such as the level of reinforcement), contiguity factors (which describe the proximity of events in space or time) and choice of reinforcing stimuli are critical in determining the rate of learning. The many problems associated with the application of punishment in practice lead to confusion by both horse and handler and, possibly, abuse of the former. Most behaviour problems relate to handling and management of the horse and can be avoided or treated with a proper analysis of the factors influencing the behaviour.
Address De Montfort University Lincoln, School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Caythorpe, Lincs., UK
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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Notes PMID:10485004 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 845
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Author Cooper, J.J.
Title Comparative learning theory and its application in the training of horses Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine veterinary journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 27 Pages 39-43
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Conditioning (Psychology); Horses/*psychology; *Learning; Reinforcement (Psychology)
Abstract Training can best be explained as a process that occurs through stimulus-response-reinforcement chains, whereby animals are conditioned to associate cues in their environment, with specific behavioural responses and their rewarding consequences. Research into learning in horses has concentrated on their powers of discrimination and on primary positive reinforcement schedules, where the correct response is paired with a desirable consequence such as food. In contrast, a number of other learning processes that are used in training have been widely studied in other species, but have received little scientific investigation in the horse. These include: negative reinforcement, where performance of the correct response is followed by removal of, or decrease in, intensity of a unpleasant stimulus; punishment, where an incorrect response is paired with an undesirable consequence, but without consistent prior warning; secondary conditioning, where a natural primary reinforcer such as food is closely associated with an arbitrary secondary reinforcer such as vocal praise; and variable or partial conditioning, where once the correct response has been learnt, reinforcement is presented according to an intermittent schedule to increase resistance to extinction outside of training.
Address Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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Notes PMID:10485003 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 846
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Author Goodwin, D.; Davidson, H.P.B.; Harris, P.
Title Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and selection Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 34 Issue 7 Pages 686-691
Keywords Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Horse Diseases/*psychology; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal; Male; *Poaceae; *Stereotyped Behavior; Videotape Recording
Abstract The restricted access to pasture experienced by many competition horses has been linked to the exhibition of stereotypic and redirected behaviour patterns. It has been suggested that racehorses provided with more than one source of forage are less likely to perform these patterns; however, the reasons for this are currently unclear. To investigate this in 4 replicated trials, up to 12 horses were introduced into each of 2 identical stables containing a single forage, or 6 forages for 5 min. To detect novelty effects, in the first and third trials the single forage was hay. In the second and fourth, it was the preferred forage from the preceding trial. Trials were videotaped and 12 mutually exclusive behaviour patterns compared. When hay was presented as the single forage (Trials 1 and 3), all recorded behaviour patterns were significantly different between stables; e.g. during Trial 3 in the 'Single' stable, horses looked over the stable door more frequently (P<0.001), moved for longer (P<0.001), foraged on straw bedding longer (P<0.001), and exhibited behaviour indicative of motivation to search for alternative resources (P<0.001) more frequently. When a previously preferred forage was presented as the single forage (Trials 2 and 4) behaviour was also significantly different between stables, e.g in Trial 4 horses looked out over the stable door more frequently (P<0.005) and foraged for longer in their straw bedding (P<0.005). Further study is required to determine whether these effects persist over longer periods. However, these trials indicate that enrichment of the stable environment through provision of multiple forages may have welfare benefits for horses, in reducing straw consumption and facilitating the expression of highly motivated foraging behaviour.
Address Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, UK
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:12455839 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1910
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Author Pollmann, U.
Title [Keeping of horses in circus and show businesses] Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift Abbreviated Journal Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr
Volume 109 Issue 3 Pages 126-129
Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal; *Horses; *Housing, Animal; Humans; Reward
Abstract The conditions under which horses are kept and the performance of acts in the circus ring may give rise to animal protection-relevant aspects for circus and show horses. A number of intolerable conditions under which horses are kept and procedures adopted for the work with circus and show horses are described. In addition, attention is drawn to monitoring methods capable of exposing the deplorable shortcomings of these businesses.
Address Fachbereich Ethologie und Tierschutz des Chemischen und Veterinaruntersuchungsamtes Freiburg. Ursula.Pollmann@cvuafr.bwl.de
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language German Summary Language Original Title Pferdehaltung in Zirkus- und Schaustellerbetrieben
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0341-6593 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11963363 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1914
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Author Madigan, J.E.; Bell, S.A.
Title Owner survey of headshaking in horses Type Journal Article
Year 2001 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 219 Issue 3 Pages 334-337
Keywords Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents/*therapeutic use; *Behavior, Animal/drug effects; Cyproheptadine/*therapeutic use; Data Collection; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/drug therapy/*etiology; Horses; Humans; Male; Questionnaires; Seasons
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine signalment, history, clinical signs, duration, seasonality, and response to various treatments reported by owners for headshaking in horses. DESIGN: Owner survey. ANIMALS: 109 horses with headshaking. PROCEDURE: Owners of affected horses completed a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 affected horses were geldings, 29 were mares, and 2 were stallions. Mean age of onset was 9 years. Headshaking in 64 horses had a seasonal component, and for most horses, headshaking began in spring and ceased in late summer or fall. The most common clinical signs were shaking the head in a vertical plane, acting like an insect was flying up the nostril, snorting excessively, rubbing the muzzle on objects, having an anxious expression while headshaking, worsening of clinical signs with exposure to sunlight, and improvement of clinical signs at night. Treatment with antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimicrobials, fly control, chiropractic, and acupuncture had limited success. Sixty-one horses had been treated with cyproheptadine; 43 had moderate to substantial improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Headshaking may have many causes. A large subset of horses have similar clinical signs including shaking the head in a vertical plane, acting as if an insect were flying up the nostrils, and rubbing the muzzle on objects. Seasonality and worsening of clinical signs with exposure to light are also common features of this syndrome. Geldings and Thoroughbreds appear to be overrepresented. Cyproheptadine treatment was beneficial in more than two thirds of treated horses.
Address Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-1488 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:11497047 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1916
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Author Goodwin, D.
Title The importance of ethology in understanding the behaviour of the horse Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 28 Pages 15-19
Keywords *Animal Husbandry; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Bonding, Human-Pet; Evolution; *Horses; Social Behavior
Abstract Domestication has provided the horse with food, shelter, veterinary care and protection, allowing individuals an increased chance of survival. However, the restriction of movement, limited breeding opportunities and a requirement to expend energy, for the benefit of another species, conflict with the evolutionary processes which shaped the behaviour of its predecessors. The behaviour of the horse is defined by its niche as a social prey species but many of the traits which ensured the survival of its ancestors are difficult to accommodate in the domestic environment. There has been a long association between horses and man and many features of equine behaviour suggest a predisposition to interspecific cooperation. However, the importance of dominance in human understanding of social systems has tended to overemphasize its importance in the human-horse relationship. The evolving horse-human relationship from predation to companionship, has resulted in serial conflicts of interest for equine and human participants. Only by understanding the nature and origin of these conflicts can ethologists encourage equine management practices which minimise deleterious effects on the behaviour of the horse.
Address Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton S016 7PX, UK
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
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Notes PMID:11314229 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1920
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Author Minero, M.; Canali, E.; Ferrante, V.; Verga, M.; Odberg, F.O.
Title Heart rate and behavioural responses of crib-biting horses to two acute stressors Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication The Veterinary Record Abbreviated Journal Vet. Rec.
Volume 145 Issue 15 Pages 430-433
Keywords Acute Disease; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Female; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horse Diseases/*physiopathology; Horses/*physiology/psychology; Male; Stereotyped Behavior/*physiology; Stress/physiopathology/psychology/*veterinary
Abstract The heart rate and behaviour of 14 adult saddle horses, eight crib-biters and six normal controls, were investigated. Initially, the relationship between crib-biting and heart rate was investigated while the horses were undisturbed. The horses were tested when restrained with a lip twitch, and assessed when they were exposed suddenly to the rapid inflation of a balloon. The heart rate of the crib-biters during crib-biting was lower than during other behaviours. The crib-biters had a higher overall mean heart rate (P<0.05) suggesting that they may have had a higher basal sympathetic activity. After the application of the twitch, all the horses had a transient increase in heart rate which returned to basal values more rapidly in the crib-biters. The crib-biters were less reactive to the lip twitch, five of the six investigated remaining calm, and after the release of the twitch, they spent more time nibbling (P<0.05) than the control horses. The crib-biters reacted more strongly to the inflation of the balloon (three of the six reacted), and after it had been inflated they spent more time walking in the box.
Address Instituto di Zootecnica Veterinaria, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-4900 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:10755589 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1921
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Author Miller, R.M.
Title The revolution in horsemanship Type Journal Article
Year 2000 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 216 Issue 8 Pages 1232-1233
Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; *Bonding, Human-Pet; *Horses/psychology; Humans; *Physical Conditioning, Animal
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-1488 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:10767957 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1925
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Author Miyashita, Y.; Nakajima, S.; Imada, H.
Title Panel-touch behavior of horses established by an autoshaping procedure Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Psychological Reports Abbreviated Journal Psychol Rep
Volume 85 Issue 3 Pt 1 Pages 867-868
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Conditioning (Psychology)/*physiology; Horses/physiology; *Touch
Abstract Panel-touch behavior of 3 geldings was successfully established by a response-termination type of autoshaping procedure. An omission or negative contingency introduced after the training of an animal, however, decreased the response rate to a near-zero level.
Address Department of Psychology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Nishinomiya, Japan
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0033-2941 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:10672748 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1926
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Author Pell, S.M.; McGreevy, P.D.
Title Prevalence of stereotypic and other problem behaviours in thoroughbred horses Type Journal Article
Year 1999 Publication Australian Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Aust Vet J
Volume 77 Issue 10 Pages 678-679
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Breeding; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology; Horses/*psychology; New South Wales/epidemiology; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; *Stereotyped Behavior
Abstract
Address Department of Animal Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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ISSN 0005-0423 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:10590799 Approved no
Call Number (down) refbase @ user @ Serial 1927
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