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Clarifying Learning Theory Terminology in Order to Enhance “Fair” Horse Training

by Dr. Camie Heleski, PhD | Michigan State University
Recorded January 2008

There is frequent confusion regarding the terms “negative reinforcement” and “punishment”, at least as they relate to handling and training horses. A “reinforcement,” whether positive or negative, is something that increases the frequency of a given behavior. A “punishment,” whether positive or negative, is something that decreases the frequency of a behavior. So, we should not be considering either term to be something bad or forbidden

In this presentation, Dr. Camie Heleski goes in-depth about how learning theory can be applied to horses.

Presenter Info:
Dr. Heleski is currently an instructor in the Animal Science Department at Michigan State University and coordinates the Agricultural Technology Horse Management Program. She teaches courses in horsemanship, introductory dressage, horse selection & judging, equine exercise physiology, horse behavior & welfare, and she supervises student internships.

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