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If you are a horse trainer, you have likely heard the terms positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement being thrown around. However, like many others in the horse world, you may not know what those words mean or how these training methods differ.
Understanding Reinforcement
When training we can reinforce or punish. Punishment refers to a training method that strives to eliminate an undesirable behavior. Reinforcement is the opposite. Reinforcement strives to increase a desirable behavior.
Reinforcement is used to teach the horse to do something we want. That might be trotting when we add our legs, following a target, popping over a jump, or walking calmly down a hill on a trail ride. Except when dealing with problem behaviors (like biting or kicking), the vast majority of our training will be done using reinforcement.
Under the umbrella of reinforcement, there are two distinct types: positive and negative. Even though both will increase trained behaviors, they work in opposing ways.
Positive Reinforcement (R+)
The positive (+) in positive reinforcement refers to the addition of a pleasant stimulus to encourage a behavior. Positive reinforcement taps into a horse's natural inclination to seek out positive stimuli and rewards the horse to encourage a behavior we want.
The desirable stimulus can be:
A treat
A scratch
Praise*
*Keep in mind that the stimuli used must be reinforcing to the individual horse.
R+ training works by rewarding a desired response shortly after it is performed. Often trainers use a marker signal or clicker to bridge the time between the exact moment a desired action is performed and when they procure a reward. This allows them to communicate to the horse exactly what behavior earned the reward.
Because horses are rewarded for their work, positive reinforcement creates a willing, happy partner who loves to learn. The positive feelings associated with R+ training will also transfer to the trainer, creating a strong bond between them and their student.
Examples of R+:
A horse is directed over a jump with a target. Once they lift their front legs off the ground, the trainer clicks a clicker. After a few strides on the other side of the jump, the trainer stops the horse and hands them a treat.
A rider gives a verbal cue for "trot." The horse does an exceptional trot transition so the rider gives a marker signal by saying "yes" and brings the horse to a halt so they can hand them a treat and let them rest for a minute.
A horse is restless on the crossties. As soon as they stand with all four feet on the ground for a couple of seconds, the trainer clicks a clicker and gives the horse a treat.
Negative Reinforcement (R-)
The negative (-) in negative reinforcement refers to the removal of something unpleasant to increase a desired response. Instead of offering a positive stimulus in response to a desired behavior, negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to encourage a particular response. Negative reinforcement taps into a horse's desire to be comfortable by applying an aversive stimulus and removing it to tell them what they did was correct.
The adverse stimulus used in R- can be:
Tapping with a whip
Pulling on a lead rope
A steady pressure applied with a hand or foot
Negative reinforcement is used extensively with natural horsemanship trainers. R- training works by removing an annoying or uncomfortable stimulus at the precise moment they perform a desired action. Eventually, they learn that performing removes the discomfort and are more likely to respond to pressure with the desired action.
Even though a master negative reinforcement trainer can make the horse look like they are performing willingly, the horse often feels compelled to respond by annoying and aversive pressure. Even though complex behaviors can often be trained quickly and reliably with negative reinforcement the horse will not bond with the trainer as they do when trained with R+ or experience the same joy to learn.
Examples of R-:
A horse is tapped with a handy stick on their hindquarters with increasing pressure until they respond by crossing their inside leg over and moving their hindquarters away. Once the horse moves the desired number of steps, the tapping stops and the horse is allowed to stand for a few moments.
Pressure is applied forward on a lead rope until the horse takes a step forward. Once the horse begins moving, the pressure is let up on the lead rope.
A rider squeezes a horse with their legs, increasing pressure to a kick and a tap with the whip until they respond by moving off at a brisk trot. Then the legs soften at the horse's side as long as they continue to trot.
Should You Use R+ or R-?
Currently, there is a lot of debate over whether R+ or R- is the "correct" way to train. Some trainers are adamant that R+ does not work, spoils the horse, and can create aggression around food (all are common misconceptions). Others believe the R- takes away the horse's autonomy and relies on coercion to train.
While there is no cut-and-dry method for deciding what is right for you, positive and negative reinforcement have strengths and weaknesses that can make one more suitable for your goals, your individual horse, and your strengths as a trainer. It can be helpful to learn more about positive and negative reinforcement and give both a try!
Next Steps!
If you are interested in learning more about positive reinforcement and how it can change your horse's life, check out the following resources:
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