Retraining - Problem Behaviours
Retraining Programs
The AEBC retrains many behaviour problems by simply retraining basic signals and responses. During retraining, we focus on certain principles such as avoiding using hands and legs simultaneously, and training self-maintenance of speed, rhythm and line.
AEBC retraining programs usually take from two weeks onwards. Even if the behaviour is resolved within a week, it is vital that the training is consolidated for another week. Consolidation can take a lot longer, which we recognise may not be economical for the owner, therefore we train the new behaviours to a consistently manageable level and then give the owner clear guidelines on how to continue. We teach the rider and handler of the horse how to train desired behaviours and how to maintain the clarity of the horse's responses.
Most problems only require one visit to the AEBC and careful training by the owner afterwards. We alert the owner immediately if the problem behaviour is more ingrained than we at first believed. Behaviours that involve flight response associations are the greatest challenge for retraining, however the more deeply they are replaced, the less likely they are to return.
Even for horses at an advanced level of training, the basics should be checked and 'tuned up' regularly. This is also why foundation training is the most important aspect of the horse's training. The AEBC is very enthusiastic about the future of the horses that undergo our foundation training program.
Problem Behaviour
Every horse is different and has its own individual set of genetic tendencies. This makes some horses far more susceptible to behaviour problems than others. Also, a horse's behaviour is influenced by all its experiences from birth onwards and that means that the seeds of conflict can be sown very early.
Conflict behaviour is defined as, "A set of responses of varying duration that are usually characterised by hyper-reactivity and arise largely through confusion.... Attempts to flee the aversive situation result in hyper-reactivity. In addition, the desired response to one or both aids diminishes... conflict behaviour may result from incorrect negative reinforcement, such as the reinforcement of inconsistent responses, incorrect responses, no removal of pressure or no shaping of responses. Often referred to as evasions and resistances." The AEBC application of 'conflict theory' to horse training is a new approach.
Sometimes problem behaviour can be a result of pain. As part of the behavioural evaluation, the AEBC system identifies the incidence of pain through the resolution pattern of rehabilitation. We use qualified veterinary personnel to deal with structural pain before we continue with behaviour modification.
However, the vast majority of problem behaviours in horses are created by mistakes in the use of the reins, legs, spurs and whips. Conflict theory strongly suggests that if cues are not consistently attached to responses, animals attempt to either run away, show aggression or become dull.
Examples include: fence-walking, aggression, bucking, rearing, bolting, pawing in the float, refusal to load in the float or starting gates, rushing out of the float, hard mouth, laziness, shying, tension and fear, head tossing, difficulties in shoeing, biting, kicking... in fact, most are manifestations of mental trauma caused by confusing training.
Ultimately the horse's patterns of behaviour mirror the quality of his basics. While environmental events may trigger certain reactions in the horse, even then, the more the horse is 'on the aids' the less he is affected by external stimuli.