Download - 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
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Introduction
So why isolate during training?
The horse is a social animal
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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.
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Social isolation = StressEspecially when we
start the young horse’s
training
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Also this is … ISOLATION
When other horses aren’t as a family group, there is no communication
between the horses/no reassurance
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A HORSE IS A SOCIAL ANIMAL
Especially during learning
------The horse
elaborates a new experience also
through the others
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So what if.. We would work with young horses in their own
herd?
Without isolating them or changing their environment?
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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
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Material, method and…horses
TRAINING AREA: Pasture area (never in a restricted area)
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Material, method and…horses
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
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Material, method and…horses
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.
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Material, method and…horses
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.
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RESULTS
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Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 0 to 6 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 4 Kicking: 5
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Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 6 to 12 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 1 Kicking: none
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Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 12 to 18 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: none Kicking: none
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Learning Results at 6 months
Haltering: allSaddling: noneRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
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Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 12 months
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Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 12 months
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Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: all
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 18 months
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GENERAL RESULTSSix balanced horsesNo signs of defence in human interactionCalm and explorative in unknown situationsVery social towards (unknown) human
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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.
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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
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CONCLUSIONMaximum result with minimum effort