Controlling separation-induced problem behavior in horses through target training

Abstract

Equidae are herd animals, yet domesticated horses are routinely separated from their conspecifics. Separation of horses that are strongly bonded to one another can result in separation-induced challenging behaviors including human- and object-directed aggression, motor agitation, and stereotypy. There is a paucity of evidence-based strategies to control separation-induced problem behavior in domesticated horses. The current study used target training as an incompatible-behavior strategy to decrease separation-induced challenging behaviors. Four horses with a history of separation-induced challenging behaviors were clicker and target trained. Participants underwent a multiple-baseline experimental design across horse-owner dyads. The multiple-baseline design is a time-series approach based on the randomization of the treatment inception timepoint that can demonstrate treatment effects with small sample sizes. Horses underwent separation trials while being required to touch a target upon verbal commands. Compliance was reinforced with clicks paired with small portions of high-preference edibles. The intervention decreased separation-induced challenging behaviors in all horses to near-zero levels. In order to facilitate the uptake of treatment gains, owners participated in a brief owner training protocol during the generalization phase of the study. While the field has traditionally relied on aversive control, the effectiveness of the current intervention supports a wider application of reinforcement-based strategies in equine training.