Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky

When presenting stimuli (cues), it is best to begin with simple, natural stimuli or basic cues that are obvious and readily learned. For instance, direct rein pressure is a basic, obvious cue because it literally shows the horse which direction to go. After the horse has learned the correct responses to basic cues, the horse can easily be taught more subtle cues by pairing new cues with already learned cues. This produces a horse that is very light and responsive to the rider.

Presenting New Cues

Use basic or previously learned cues to introduce new cues. A new cue should be presented first, followed by an old cue. Although no research data is available on the efficiency of different timing of cue presentation in the horse, empirical evidence from other species indicates that the horse probably learns best through delayed conditioning. Delayed conditioning occurs when the new cue is given and is continued until the old cue is presented. There is a slight delay between the old and new cue, or the two cues slightly overlap. Delayed conditioning has proven to be very effective in learning. However, simultaneous presentation, in which the new and old cue are presented together at the same time, and backwards presentation, where the old cues are presented before the new cues, result in very ineffective or non-existent learning.

An Example of Delayed Conditioning

When teaching a horse to neck rein, the trainer lays the neck rein (new, subtle cue) against the horse's neck and follows it with the direct rein (old cue) and opposite side leg pressure. By presenting the new cue and following it with the old cue, a trainer uses the old cue to show the horse the meaning of the new cue and to reinforce the new cue.