The Facets of Equuality - The Science of Behavior

In which I describe the basis of the science behind horsemanship and the way the tools of that science can be used to create a joyful relationship.

Every moment, countless particles bump into, smash against, and collide with other particles. We understand these interactions are able to build incredibly sophisticated devices thanks to the science of Physics.

Every moment, countless atoms combine with and split away from other atoms sharing, gaining, and losing electrons along the way. We understand these interactions and are able to create amazing substances thanks to the science of Chemistry.

Every moment, countless individuals interact with each other and their environment, forming habits of action, patterns of thought, and relationships. We understand these interactions and are beginning to be able to create a happier, healthier world thanks to the science of Behaviorism.

The Beauty of Life, Augmented

Sometimes, the idea of a science is taken to mean squeezing all of the life out of a subject until there's nothing left but cold, hard, uninteresting facts.

I think that the word travesty is not too strong a term to describe such a view.

Instead, I submit to you that science is not a way of distilling our experience down to meaningless nuts and bolts, but rather a way of making out lives more joyful by creating a fuller understanding of how the world around us works.

Is a flower any less beautiful for the fact that its petals grow in accordance with the laws of Biology? Is a sunset any less dazzling when we understand the way particles in the atmosphere affect its color? In both cases, I would say no, not only is the beauty undiminished, it is in fact augmented.

The Universal Foundation

No matter whether you're studying with an Olympic Dressage master, a seasoned cowboy, or a whiz clicker trainer, the teachings they share with you will have one very important thing in common: if they work, they can be described using the Science of Behavior.

The basic principle of Behaviorism is this: behavior that is reinforced increases while behavior that is not reinforced or punished decreases. Behavior can be reinforced by either adding a positive stimulus (a reward) or by removing a aversive stimulus (something uncomfortable) when the desired behavior occurs. In either case, what makes the learning happen is that the reinforcement happens in a way that the learner clearly understands why he was reinforced.

For example, when you're in your dressage lesson, training for Olympic Gold, your trainer might tell you to put on leg pressure (an aversive stimulus) and then remove it as soon as the hind quarters yield to the side. This is negative reinforcement, so called because of the way a stimulus (the leg pressure) is subtracted as a reward. Negative reinforcement is the basis of all pressure-and-release or feel-and-release training methods.

Now, let's imagine you're using food rewards to train your horse to lay down on cue. You set up a situation where the horse is likely to lay down (say take him to a nice sandy spot after a summer bathing) and then give him a treat in the moment he hits the dirt. This is positive reinforcement, so called because of the way a stimulus (the piece of carrot) is added as a reward. Positive reinforcement is the basis of any food-reward training or clicker training methods.

Understanding Creates Happier Horses, More Joyful Humans

The behavior of each living being, from the apparently simple crustacean to the seemingly infinitely complex human being, is shaped by a simple but profound set of laws. These laws apply across species boundaries, enabling complex interactions between members of different species.

Horsemanship focuses on the relationship between horse and human, and thus on the interactions that create that relationship. Whether we are aware of it or not, each time we interact with our horse, we are acting in accordance with the laws of Behavior (similarly, every time we take a step we are acting in accordance with the law of gravity, even if we aren't consciously aware of it).

When the horse seems to instantly understand a request it is because we are going with the flow of those laws. Imagine how you can make a rock roll all the way down a big hill with one small throw from the summit.

Contrariwise, when we just can't seem to understand why our horse isn't “getting it,” it is because we are trying to communicate in a way that violates the laws of Behavior. You're like Sisyphus, trying to roll that rock back up the hill and fighting gravity the whole way.

Your interactions with your horse don't need to be frustrating, challenging, or upsetting. When you learn to consciously leverage the knowledge and tools of this science you will be able to communicate your desires to your horse and understand how and why he replies the way he does. Together, you will create a relationship that is joyful, harmonious, and fulfilling for each of you. I'm really excited to share my understanding of this science based on my own studies and experience and I hope you're just as excited to read about it.

My Practice

Because the Science of Behavior underlies every interaction I have with horses, I practice thinking about my interactions with them in terms of that science as much as possible.

When I begin to get frustrated that my horse isn't "getting it," I endeavor to find the unclear concept and break it down into smaller pieces or reinforce it a different way. I flow through the whole spectrum of reinforcement techniques, from clicker training to pressure and release, depending on the individual, the situation, and the concept I'm trying to explain. I always find that when I am able to take a step back, think clearly, and apply the science, both my horse and myself are more happy with the outcome.

Your Practice

Perhaps it is time to give yourself and your horse a better understanding of the universal rules of learning and communication that underlie your interactions.

If you are already aware of the concepts of Behavior Science, perhaps it is a good time to pick some of those concepts to really hone in on and improve your understanding.

If, thus far, you have been primarily a student of one particular type of horsemanship, perhaps now is a good time to discover the broader foundation upon which your style is built.

In either case, I suggest Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot the Dog and Reaching the Animal Mind as wonderful resources.

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