How horses learn: Understanding positive and negative reinforcement

Every skilled horse handler knows that training isn't just about giving commands - it's about how and when you reward a horse's response. Understanding reinforcement is key to clear communication and effective training, helping your horse to become a trusting and willing partner.

Positive vs. negative reinforcement

To train horses effectively, we use both positive and negative reinforcement. These terms describe how we encourage the correct response, but they can sometimes be misunderstood. Let's break them down:

Negative reinforcement - also known as 'pressure and release' - means rewarding a horse by removing pressure when the desired response is given. For example, when a rider applies leg pressure and releases it as soon as the horse moves forwards, the horse learns they have made the correct response through the release of the pressure.

Positive reinforcement means adding something enjoyable to reward a correct response - such as a scratch/pat, a treat or verbal praise.

Both methods work together to create clear and consistent communication between horse and rider. This is how a specific language develops between a horse and its handler.

How horses learn through pressure and release

So how do horses learn through negative reinforcement (pressure and release)? The process is simple:

1. The rider or handler applies pressure.
2. The pressure remains until the horse find the correct response.
3. The pressure is released immediately when the horse responds correctly.

That moment of release is the reward - the instant the horse understands what was being asked.

“Why do you jump up instantly if you sit on an upturned tack or drawing pin?
…you jump up - not just because it hurts, but to stop it hurting. By no means the same thing.” - Tom Roberts (1974, Horse Control - The Young Horse)

Roberts was not suggesting that training should involve pain. Instead he highlighted that learning happens in the release of pressure, not in the pressure itself.

Once a horse finds the correct response, repetition and consistency solidify the lesson. The exact aids used are less important than the consistency in how they are applied and released.

Training in action: practical examples

Groundwork: Moving forward from lead pressure

When teaching a horse to move forward from lead pressure:

1. Apply steady pressure on the lead rope.
2. Keep the pressure consistent until the horse give any forward movement (event a small shift of weight counts at first).
3. The moment the horse moves forward, release the pressure completely.
4. Repeat, gradually expecting a clearer forward step before releasing.

This exercise also helps prevent a horse from pulling back when tied, as it teaches them to yield to pressure rather than resist it.

Groundwork: Moving forward from hind pressure

This method is useful for teaching a horse to load into a trailer or move forward in-hand.

Use a long whip or light stick as an extension of your arm to lightly tap the hindquarters.

Keep tapping rhythmically until the horse takes a step forward.

The instant the horse moves, stop tapping.

The whip/stick should never be used to frighten the horse - its purpose is simply to apply consistent, non-threatening pressure until the correct response is found.

Riding: Moving forwards to trot

When asking for a trot:

1. Apply a 'tap tap' motion with your lower leg.
2. The moment the horse moves into trot, stop tapping.

The horse learns to transition into a trot not from the leg pressure itself, but from the release of pressure when they respond correctly.

Riding: Slowing to halt

When asking for a halt:

Apply gentle rein pressure.

The horse stops in response.

The moment the horse halts, release rein pressure.

When we use the reins to stop, it is the moment we release pressure from the reins that the horse learns the lesson. The horse will learn to halt from rein pressure through the RELEASE after stopping, not the pressure itself. The release is the moment of understanding. 

Consistent, patient training will allow the horse to respond to the lightest of pressure once they understand the question being asked.

How positive and negative reinforcement work together

After the horse receives a release for giving the correct response, learning can be reinforced further by adding positive reinforcement at that moment. Verbal praise or a quick scratch near the wither is easy to apply while riding, while treats can be effectively used in groundwork, in-hand work, or liberty training to clarify correct responses.

This combination of negative and positive reinforcement speeds up learning and builds a horse's confidence in the training process.

Final thoughts: learn the why

Great horse handlers don't just give cues - they understand why horses respond the way they do. When you apply these principles thoughtfully, your horse will trust and respect you more.

This article is part of the series Horse training principles every rider must know for better results. 

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Learn the WHY. Your horse will thank you.

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