The Science of Horse Training Part 4: Classical Conditioning

Contemporary Horsemanship Podcast

Classical conditioning is happening all the time, for better or for worse. It is essentially learning by association. This can work in a negative way such as when you hear a bee buzzing right before you get stung. Now you associate buzzing with being stung. Or classical conditioning can work in a positive way. You hear the song of an ice cream truck and want to go toward it and get a treat. I’ll talk about how classical conditioning is training our horses and how you can use it to your benefit.