equine applied social learning iesm 2012
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
International Equine Science Meeting 2012
Why isolate during training?
Social learning and social cognition applied as training approach for young horses
(Equus caballus)
Francesco De Giorgio - José Schoorl
16 march 2012 – IESM 2012
![Page 2: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Introduction
So why isolate during training?
The horse is a social animal
![Page 3: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Introduction In the last decade an increasing
number of studies has been oriented towards equine social learning and their social behavior within the herd
Still‚ when it comes to horse training, the social aspect and‚ in general‚ cognitive abilities of the horse are rarely taken into account.
Although it is widely accepted that social isolation is stressful for horse still isolating a young horse is the first step when it comes to training methods.
![Page 4: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Social isolation = StressEspecially when we
start the young horse’s
training
![Page 5: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Also this is … ISOLATION
When other horses aren’t as a family group, there is no communication
between the horses/no reassurance
![Page 6: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
A HORSE IS A SOCIAL ANIMAL
Especially during learning
------The horse
elaborates a new experience also
through the others
![Page 7: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
So what if.. We would work with young horses in their own
herd?
Without isolating them or changing their environment?
![Page 8: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Material, method and…horses
Six young horses from semi feral situations: between two and three years old.All six showed initial difficulties and defense behavior to human interaction
Three stallions (bachelor group), two of them with family relationships
Three females, two of them with family relationships
![Page 9: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Material, method and…horses
TRAINING AREA: Pasture area (never in a restricted area)
![Page 10: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Material, method and…horses
Each horse had one training session (10’) per week, without isolating them, for a period of 18 months.
One horse “works” while the others are watching and learn by observation
![Page 11: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Material, method and…horses
Every time a minimum of alert behavior would occur (for example slightly backing away, resistance instead of curiosity) the training activity was re-arranged to not over-pressure the horse.
![Page 12: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Material, method and…horses
Every trainer working with the horses carried out the activities without tight expectations focusing onthe horses’ positive attention and voluntary approach, observing ear movements, eye movements, head position, muscle tension, ecc.
![Page 13: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
RESULTS
![Page 14: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 0 to 6 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 4 Kicking: 5
![Page 15: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 6 to 12 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: 1 Kicking: none
![Page 16: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Behaviour Evaluation“defensive”
from 12 to 18 months (144 sessions)
Rearing: noneBucking: noneBiting: none Kicking: none
![Page 17: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Learning Results at 6 months
Haltering: allSaddling: noneRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
![Page 18: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 12 months
![Page 19: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: none
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 12 months
![Page 20: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
Haltering: allSaddling: allRiding: all
Interaction with human: all six calmNovel objects: all six immediate exploring behavior
Learning Results at 18 months
![Page 21: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
GENERAL RESULTSSix balanced horsesNo signs of defence in human interactionCalm and explorative in unknown situationsVery social towards (unknown) human
![Page 22: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
DISCUSSIONDefensive and reactive behaviors seems to have beenreduced and welfare as the horses have been trained
in a social context without being isolated and thuswithout being stressed during the training experience.
More time if social learning and social cognitive learning is applied? Learning at the horses pace with other horses
present?
18 months, 10 minutes per week is 12 “training” hours in total per horse, from a semi feral horse, to a calm riding horse.
![Page 23: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
CONCLUSIONSocial learning applied to equestrian activity can be fundamental for:
Safety and welfare
Horses calm and not tended to flight or “spook”
Communication without tension between horse-human
Reduction of behavioral and relationship problem, between horse and human
Good results about horse learning and training, with relatively less time spent and more ethical approach
![Page 24: Equine Applied Social Learning Iesm 2012](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062902/58ee01471a28abe22c8b4607/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
www.hetcognitievepaard.nl
CONCLUSIONMaximum result with minimum effort