Can positive reinforcement techniques (food rewards) be of benefit rather than a hindrance?

Recent research covered in the 13th of October 2011 issue of Horse & Hound Magazine investigated whether positive reinforcement techniques (food rewards) were a benefit or a hindrance in the behaviour of yearlings being handled for the first time. The results were quite conclusive. The yearlings rewarded positively with a food treat learned everything more quickly, remembered the training better and showed less bad behaviour, such as kicking or biting. They sought the company of humans more readily and were more compliant when they were broken in. In short, there were marked long-term benefits in feeding young horses tit-bits as rewards.

We've a link at the bottom of the page to download a PDF of the article as it might be a little hard to read on the image!

Feel free to ask us any questions you may have on the information discussed. We're here to help! :)

Made from the purest ingredients, Pure Treats are molasses free treats that are low in energy, low in starch and contain no added sugar; for the healthy & wholesome way to reward your horse.

Experience shows that the same positive reinforcement with treats can apply to the training of mature horses and, let’s face it, we all love to reward our horses when they’ve done well. So think of your horse and offer the healthy option! Pure Treats are a perfectly innocent and nutritious replacement for those mints, fruit and sugar cubes traditionally fed as treats which could contribute to dietary related issues such as obesity, excitability and laminitis.

Click here for more information on Pure Treats

Thanks to Horse & Hound magazine for producing the above article.
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