Historically, horse trainers have relied primarily upon repetition, negative reinforcement, and punishment to teach new behaviors. Positive reinforcement has been eschewed, largely on the basis of the wides read belief that positive reinforcement is not effective with horses. Additional difficulties in the timely application of such reinforcement have further inhibited its use. After repeated pairing of an auditory stimulus with an established primary reinforcer, the auditory stimulus was predicted to be a reinforcer. An equine subject was then successfully trained to perform five different, novel tasks using only the auditory stimulus. Subsequently, extinction of behavior was noted in the absence of the conditioned reinforcer. Implications for many phases of horse training were discussed. Some weaknesses of the present study were noted along with suggested issues for future investigations.

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective method for trailer loading horses based on the principles of positive reinforcement. Target training and shaping were used to teach trailer loading behavior in a natural setting. Five AQHA mares were selected for this program. All five had been loaded before through the use of punishment. A two-horse trailer was used. Approximations to loading and inappropriate behaviors were the dependent variables. When intervention started the target was moved to various locations inside the trailer. Subjects started training on the left side of the trailer. After a subject was loading in the left side they were moved to the right side, then to loading half on the right and half on the left, then they were loaded by a different trainer, and into a different trailer. For one subject a limited hold was utilized, as well as a companion horse.

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Title: Training of a Show Jumping Pair in a Framework of the Youth Sports Centre of the Czech Equestrian Federation Targets: The presented diploma thesis was targeted at suitability and effectivity of the Youth Sports Centre (YSC) of the Czech Equestrian Federation. I concentrated on searching for the positives and negatives both in the YSC system and training schedules. I believe that any results can contribute to understanding of these organisations function and can lay a new base for further study which will improve the whole system of education. Methods: The first step for familiarising with the problems was an analysis of special literature method usage. It was followed by observing the YSC participants during fulfilling their tasks in individual training camps. In the end, the results of the main competition of the season - the Championship of Children, Juniors and Young Riders - were gathered and assessed. The conclusion was compared and consulted through an interview with a leading trainer of the YSC Roman Drahota. Results: The conclusions based on the main competition of the season results - the Championship of the Czech Republic of Children, Juniors and Young Riders- indicate that the YSC of the Czech Equestrian Federation training schedule was selected properly. Among the positive facts...