The effects of pressure and release training on equine behavior and discipline

Abstract

In America, there are over 100,000 horse-related injuries per year (Mendell, 2006). It is important that all horses are properly trained to avoid dangerous accidents resulting from poor training involving the horse, rider, or spectators. This study aims to understand how a person should approach properly training a horse. It determines what training methods are the most effective and why it is important that owners understand how horses process discipline. Previous research indicates the common need for pressure, but fails to explore it as a training method. As such, a definite answer that explains how Pressure and Release Training affects equine behavior and discipline has not been determined. A physical experiment collecting and analyzing quantitative data was conducted in order to obtain the most accurate and specific results. Horses of various breeds, ages, sexes, and training levels were subjected to five different Pressure and Release Training exercises and scored on their completion (attempt > accuracy). Each horse was tested twice on separate days to ensure replicability. All horses completed every exercise successfully without conflict behaviors or refusal (50/50). The experiment reveals that regardless of traits, Pressure and Release Training is an effective training method that horses understand even without previously consistent training. However, it is vital that trainers understand how horses process discipline so that they know if the training is effective and low stress for the horse.