Shetland Pony Breed

Breeds, Horses

Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky One of the most popular pony breeds is the Shetland. The Shetland is a smaller pony with a maximum height of 46 inches (11.6 hands); however, most Shetlands stand approximately 40 inches tall at the withers. This hardy breed was...

Learning Ability of Horses

Horses, Training and Behavior

Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky All current equine learning research is based on the assumption that horses learn through Stimulus – Response – Reinforcement – Training (S – R – R – T). How S – R – R – T...

Reinforcement for Horse Learning

Horses, Training and Behavior

Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky The trainer must decide the appropriate form of reinforcement to stimulate the proper response when a horse initially learns a new cue. The basic principle of reinforcement is that certain events are capable of strengthening...