The Basis of R+ Horse Training: How to Leverage Classical Conditioning to Achieve More

Classical conditioning is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate precisely with our horses. But what is it, and how does it work? Keep reading to find out!

What is Classical Conditioning?

Also known as Pavlovian conditioning, classical conditioning is a process where two stimuli are paired repeatedly to elicit a specific response. This natural phenomenon helps organisms adapt to their environment by triggering subconscious, automatic reactions.

For instance:

• If a mouse is frequently swooped at by a hawk when crossing an open field, it will eventually feel nervous and avoid open spaces.

• If you get sick after eating Chinese food, the mere smell of it might make you nauseous next time.

Pavlov paved the path for our understanding of classical conditioning today

While classical conditioning may seem like rocket science, in practice it is quite simple. All you have to do is repeatedly pair a neutral stimulus (the conditioned stimulus) with one that already elicits the desired response (the unconditioned stimulus).

In his famous experiment, Pavlov rang a bell (the conditioned stimulus) shortly before feeding his dogs. In this experiment, the food was the unconditioned stimulus, and salivating (a natural process that occurs automatically when eating) was the desired response. After repeatedly pairing the two stimuli, over time the sound of the bell alone got the dogs salivating even without the presence of food.

How to Use Classical Conditioning in Horse Training

Classical conditioning helps elicit emotions and responses subconsciously. By pairing a sound (like a clicker) with a positive experience (such as a treat), we can evoke feelings of happiness or anticipation with just the sound. This technique is called marker training, and it allows us to communicate exactly what we want to our horses.

The Power of Positive Communication

Imagine playing a game where your friends want you to flip a light switch but they can only say “no” to incorrect behaviors and cannot tell you when you are getting closer to flipping the switch. You might wander aimlessly, picking up objects or closing doors. Slowly you narrow down the location of the task they want but can't seem to get the "no's" to stop and eventually give up out of frustration.

Classical Conditioning allows you to to pinpoint exactly what you want from your horse

Now imagine the reverse: instead of “no,” they say “yes” when you’re getting closer. Suddenly, you can quickly follow the “yeses” to the light switch.

Marker training works the same way. By using a sound (like a clicker) paired with food, we create a positive “yes” signal to guide our horses toward the desired behavior. This method leads to:

• Faster progress.

• A more willing equine partner.

• A stronger bond between horse and human.

Getting Started: Introducing Classical Conditioning to Your Horse

Before you can begin classical conditioning, you will need to build an association between sound and food This involves repeatedly pairing the market sound with a small treat in a process called loading your marker.

A clicker makes a good marker

To load your marker:

1. Give your marker sound (such as a clicker)

2. Immediately give your horse a treat

Repeat this process in short, frequent sessions (less than 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily) until your horse associates the sound with a treat. You’ll know the association is strong when your horse perks up at the sound, anticipating food.

Now when you use the clicker the horse will feel the same positive emotions they get in anticipation of food. This creates an association between those feelings with what they were doing at the time. When backed up with a reinforcer, this will increase the number of times your horse offers that specific behavior, and voila you've trained your horse to do something new!

Keep what you ask small and break down larger tasks into smaller pieces. For instance, if you are asking your horse to line up to the mounting block so you can get on, reward them for lining up, then for standing still for a couple of seconds, and finally for allowing you to get on. Always provide a treat after each marker sound to keep the association strong.

Learn More About R+ Horse Training

Many trainers who embrace positive reinforcement (R+) never look back. Ready to dive deeper? Learn more about the benefits of positive reinforcement and see how it can transform your partnership with your horse!