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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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Notes PMID:10485004 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 845
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Author Mills, D.S.
Title Personality and individual differences in the horse, their significance, use and measurement Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 27 Pages 10-13
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; Personality
Abstract The biological diversity of a species gives rise to individual differences in behavioural tendency. Traditionally, this variation has been considered to be of little scientific importance or value, but the description and quantification of the fundamental basis of this variability is relevant to many aspects of equine science. The reliable identification of these features may allow the development of more accurate diagnostic and prognostic indicators for a range of clinical diseases. Biologically based traits also provide a more rational basis for selective management and breeding programmes in which specific behavioural tendencies are sought. Individual differences in behaviour also reflect the range of subjective feelings experienced by animals and therefore need to be understood by those concerned with animal welfare. Psychometric techniques concerned with the assessment of personality may provide a suitable basis for scientific study in this field. Potentially methodologies include: behavioural tests, objective behaviour measures or the quantification of reports from those familiar with the subjects. The assessment of the validity and reliability of the variables measured in these tests is an integral part of their development. Interobserver correlation in an experiment based on the subjective rating of 20 horses with respect to 14 familiar terms used to describe horse personality was generally low. This suggests that, with the exception of the terms 'flighty' and 'sharp', the empirical terminology commonly used to describe horse personality is unreliable.
Address De Montfort University Lincoln, School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Caythorpe, Lincs, UK
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Notes PMID:10484996 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1932
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Author Cooper, J.J.; Mason, G.J.
Title The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 27 Pages 5-9
Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; *Housing, Animal/standards; *Stereotyped Behavior
Abstract Many behaviours in domestic animals, such as the 'stable vices' of horses, are treated because they are considered undesirable for economic or cultural reasons, and not because the activity affects the horse's quality of life. The impact of a behaviour on the human reporter is not a function of its impact on the animal performer, and an understanding of the causes and effects of the particular activity is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of treatment. Where the behaviour is a sign of poor welfare, such as an inadequate environment, treatment can best be achieved by removing these underlying causal factors. Pharmacological or physical prevention of a behaviour can be justified only if the behaviour causes harm to the performer or to others. In these cases, prevention of the behaviour without addressing its causes is no cure and may result in its perseverance in a modified form or the disruption of the animal's ability to adapt to its environment. Where the behavioural 'problem' causes no harm and is not related to poor housing, then the education of the reporter, rather than treatment of the performer, may be the best solution.
Address Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK
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Notes PMID:10484995 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1933
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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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Notes PMID:10485003 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 846
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Author Houpt, K.A.; Feldman, J.
Title Animal behavior case of the month. Aggression toward a neonatal foal by its dam Type Journal Article
Year 1993 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 203 Issue 9 Pages 1279-1280
Keywords Animals; Animals, Newborn; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Horses/*psychology; *Maternal Behavior; Rejection (Psychology); Restraint, Physical/veterinary
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Address Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401
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ISSN (up) 0003-1488 ISBN Medium
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Notes PMID:8253618 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 36
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Author Houpt, K.A.; Smith, R.
Title Animal behavior case of the month Type Journal Article
Year 1993 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 203 Issue 3 Pages 377-378
Keywords Aggression; Animals; Animals, Zoo/*psychology; *Behavior, Animal; *Feeding Behavior; Female; Horses/*psychology; *Weaning
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Address Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401
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Notes PMID:8226214 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 37
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Author Houpt, K.A.
Title Animal behavior and animal welfare Type Journal Article
Year 1991 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 198 Issue 8 Pages 1355-1360
Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Cats/*psychology; Hoof and Claw/surgery; Horses/*psychology; Housing, Animal
Abstract The value of behavioral techniques in assessing animal welfare, and in particular assessing the psychological well being of animals, is reviewed. Using cats and horses as examples, 3 behavioral methods are presented: (1) comparison of behavior patterns and time budgets; (2) choice tests; and (3) operant conditioning. The behaviors of intact and declawed cats were compared in order to determine if declawing led to behavioral problems or to a change in personality. Apparently it did not. The behavior of free ranging horses was compared with that of stabled horses. Using two-choice preference tests, the preference of horses for visual contact with other horses and the preference for bedding were determined. Horses show no significant preference for locations from which they can make visual contact with other horses, but they do prefer bedding, especially when lying down. Horses will perform an operant response in order to obtain light in a darkened barn or heat in an outside shed. These same techniques can be used to answer a variety of questions about an animal's motivation for a particular attribute of its environment.
Address New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853
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Notes PMID:2061151 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 40
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Author Kaiser, L.; Heleski, C.R.; Siegford, J.; Smith, K.A.
Title Stress-related behaviors among horses used in a therapeutic riding program Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 228 Issue 1 Pages 39-45
Keywords Adult; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Child; *Disabled Persons; Female; Horses/*psychology; Humans; Male; *Mentally Disabled Persons; Occupational Therapy/methods; Recreation; Risk Factors; Stress/*veterinary
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic riding resulted in higher levels of stress or frustration for horses than did recreational riding and whether therapeutic riding with at-risk individuals was more stressful for the horses than was therapeutic riding with individuals with physical or emotional handicaps. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 14 horses in a therapeutic riding program. PROCEDURE: An ethogram of equine behaviors was created, and horses were observed while ridden by 5 groups of riders (recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, at risk children, and special education children). Number of stress-related behaviors (ears pinned back, head raised, head turned, head tossed, head shaken, head down, and defecation) was compared among groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in mean number of stress-related behaviors were found when horses were ridden by recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, or special education children. However, mean number of stress-related behaviors was significantly higher when horses were ridden by the at-risk children. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for horses in a therapeutic riding program, being ridden by physically or psychologically handicapped individuals is no more stressful for the horses than is being ridden in the same setting by recreational riders. However, at-risk children caused more stress to the horses, suggesting that the time horses are ridden by at-risk children should be limited both daily and weekly.
Address Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Notes PMID:16426164 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1879
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Author Aronson, L.
Title Animal behavior case of the month. Aggression directed toward other horses Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 213 Issue 3 Pages 358-359
Keywords *Aggression; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Follow-Up Studies; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/drug therapy/psychology; Horses/*psychology; Housing, Animal; Hypothyroidism/diagnosis/drug therapy/*veterinary; Male; Physical Examination/veterinary; Thyroxine/blood/therapeutic use
Abstract
Address Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Notes PMID:9702222 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1935
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Author Luescher, U.A.
Title More on self-mutilative behavior in horses Type Journal Article
Year 1993 Publication Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Abbreviated Journal J Am Vet Med Assoc
Volume 203 Issue 9 Pages 1252-1253
Keywords Animals; Female; Horses/*psychology; Male; *Self Mutilation
Abstract
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Notes PMID:8253611 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1942
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