A common phrase I see ‘R+’ trainers using is that yes they're training with food now, BUT, they'll phase it out soon!

It's almost always said in response to someone judging the trainer's use of food. As if it's to appease this judgey internet stranger who trains traditionally (pressure and release, R-) and can't BELIEVE anyone is just handing their horse ‘treats’.

I am confident and proud to say I will NOT be phasing out the food reinforcer.

No reinforcer = no behaviour!

Most of our lives we do things based on what's reinforcing us.

If you always get a sweet treat after the doctors, try going without next time and see how it feels.

Consider other aspects of your life, what reinforces your behaviour?

The adult human life is very complex and a direct line can't always be drawn between behaviour and reinforcer. But it's fun to think about!

In horse training though, it's often much simpler.

They don't do things out of a lingering obligation to their friend who helped them move that one time..

It's ABC.

Antecedent (the situation, the set up)

Behaviour

Consequence (good OR bad)

So imagine I'm asking for a hoof lift.

I cue that I want him to lift his hoof = he lifts his hoof = he gets reinforced for lifting his hoof.

Now take out the ‘treat’.

I cue that I want him to lift his hoof = he lifts his hoof = I don't give any reinforcement.

Next time I ask for his hoof, you can bet that the last rep will play into his decision.

He very well may still lift his hoof on cue because it has a strong reinforcement history. In other words there's been lots and lots of time where I HAVE reinforced lifting that hoof. But the more often I skip the positive reinforcer, the less inclination he'll have to respond to my cue how I want him to.

Why would I intentionally weaken the reinforcement history of a behaviour?

To gain the favour of traditional trainers? Oof, I think that ship has sailed.

No. My only concern is my horse and how reliable I want his trained behaviours to be.

As a secondary benefit it also boosts how reliable I am in my horse's eyes.

I WANT him to know what's coming. I want him to be confident that when he's exerting energy it's because the outcome is predictable and reliable. This helps encourage effort and keeps his attention.

If I'm a wishy washy mess of sporadic reinforcers then he's more likely to be sporadic with his effort.

When you go above and beyond to do something for someone and they respond with a cursory thanks, you might feel like you wasted your efforts on someone who doesn't appreciate them.

I'll always reinforce my horse's effort, because I want it to continue forever.

Written By Madi Holmes of the PPGA Equine Sub-Committee