_edited.png)
If you are a horse trainer, you have likely heard the terms positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement being thrown around. However, you, like many others in the horse world, may not know what those words mean or how these training methods can be used when training your horse.
What is Reinforcement?
There are actually four quadrants that trainers can use when training their animals: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. Punishment refers to a training method that strives to eliminate an undesirable behavior. Reinforcement is the opposite. Reinforcement refers to an action that strives to increase a desirable behavior.
When using reinforcement we are trying to teach our horses to do something. That behavior might be trotting when we add our legs, follow a target, pop over a jump, or walk 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. However, 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. This stimulus needs to be a desirable one that the horse seeks out as it will function as a reward for good behavior, increasing their desire to perform an action. Positive reinforcement taps into a horse's natural inclination to seek out pleasant stimuli and gives them rewards to tell them what they did was correct.
The desirable stimulus used in R+ can be:
A treat
A scratch
Praise
Positive reinforcement is used most often with clicker trainers. R+ training works by rewarding a desired response shortly after it is performed. Often time trainers use a marker signal or clicker so they can bridge the time between the exact moment a desired action is performed and when they can give a reward so the horse knows exactly what is expected of them.
Because horses are being positively rewarded for their work, positive reinforcement creates a willing, happy partner who loves their work.
Examples:
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.
Examples:
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, in the world, 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 and only spoils the horse and creates aggression for food. However, these ideas are founded on ignorance and are common misconceptions. On the other hand, many trainers are looking for a better way to bond and connect with their horses than applying pressure in traditional horse training methods.
While there is no cut-and-dry method for deciding what method 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 both 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: