Rein Tension Signals Elicit Different Behavioral Responses When Comparing Bitted Bridle and Halter.

Marie Eisersiö,Jenny Yngvesson,Agneta Egenvall,Antonio Lanata,Paolo Baragli,Anna Byström

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.652015

Abstract

When a rider maintains contact on the reins, rein tension will vary continuously in synchronicity with the horse's gait and stride. This continuous variation makes it difficult to isolate the rein tension variations that represent a rein tension signal, complicating interpretation of rein tension data from the perspective of horse-rider interaction. This study investigated (1) the characteristics of a rein tension signal and (2) horse response to a rein tension signal for backing, comparing pressure applied by a bit (bridle), or by a noseband (halter). Twenty Warmblood horses (10 young, 10 adult) wearing a rein tension meter were trained to step back in the aisle of a stable. The handler stood next to the horse's withers, applying tension on the reins until the horse stepped back. This was repeated eight times with the bridle and eight times with the halter. Data analysis was performed using mixed linear and logistic regression models. Horses displaying behaviors other than backing showed significantly increased response latency and rein tension. Inattentive behavior was significantly more common in the halter treatment and in young horses, compared with the bridle treatment and adult horses. Evasive behaviors with the head, neck, and mouth were significantly more common in the bridle treatment than in the halter treatment and the occurrence of head/neck/mouth behaviors increased with increasing rein tension and duration of the rein tension signal. When controlling for behavior, the horses responded significantly faster and to a lighter rein tension signal in the bridle treatment than in the halter treatment. By scrutinizing data on rein tension signals in relation to horse behavior and training exercise, more can be learnt about the horse's experience of the pressures applied and the timing of the release. This can assist in developing ways to evaluate rein tension in relation to correct use of negative reinforcement.

Highlights

Horse training commonly relies on negative reinforcement to train the horse to perform different behaviors [1]
The bridle treatment was associated with significantly more head/neck/mouth behaviors than the halter treatment, and the occurrence of head/neck/mouth behavior increased with increasing magnitude and duration of the rein tension signal
The most prominent finding was that horse behavior during the rein tension signal was significantly associated with both magnitude of rein tension and response latency

Summary

Introduction

Horse training commonly relies on negative reinforcement to train the horse to perform different behaviors [1]. The definition of negative reinforcement is that an aversive stimulus is removed upon performing the correct behavior, which increases the likelihood that the same behavior will appear again in response to the same stimulus [3]. The aversive stimulus is usually some form of pressure on the horse’s body [4], which when applied acts as a signal. Pressure signals in horse training are ideally applied using light pressure first, gradually increasing the force and/or frequency/intensity until the horse performs the correct response [5,6,7]. There is a need for improvements in application of negative reinforcement in horse training [9]. The variables that comprise a rein tension signal are the magnitude and duration of rein tension and the spatial direction in which the rider applies the rein tension signal, while the release of rein tension acts as the reinforcer

Methods

Results

Conclusion