The Science of Horse Training Part 4: Classical Conditioning

The Science of Horse Training Part 4: Classical Conditioning

Author: Chandra August 3, 2022 Duration: 41:46
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.

Chandra hosts Contemporary Horsemanship Podcast, a space dedicated to thoughtful conversations about working with horses. Rather than presenting rigid rules, this podcast explores the nuances of equine behavior and the practical application of modern training methods. Each episode feels like a candid discussion, breaking down why horses react the way they do and how we can build clearer, more trusting partnerships with them. You'll hear specific insights on interpreting subtle body language, refining groundwork, and applying riding techniques that prioritize mutual understanding over dominance. It’s for anyone who spends time around horses and wants to move beyond simple commands to a deeper, more collaborative connection. The focus is always on sharing accessible, useful knowledge that listeners can immediately relate to their own experiences at the barn or on the trail. By tuning in, you join a community curious about the evolving art of horsemanship, all delivered through Chandra’s grounded and relatable perspective. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about fostering a lifelong, rewarding dialogue with these incredible animals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Contemporary Horsemanship Podcast
Podcast Episodes
All About My Horses [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
I thought I’d do a quick episode about my horses. I talk about them sometimes in training episodes but never really gave details about them. They are very important to me and are the reason I’ve learned so much in the la…
More on Classical Conditioning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:23
I’m talking about more human examples on how we learn through classical conditioning. But I want to connect these examples to the horse world so we can see how easily connections can be made in the horse’s mind and how c…
What Horse’s Needs Are [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
I recently saw a video showing some of the reasons why a race horse had the best care. I definitely disagreed with these reasons as horses don’t care about most of them. People tend to anthropomorphize with our horses. W…
How to Teach a Spin on the Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:58
I’ll go over the steps on how to teach a horse to do a spin on the ground. This is an easy trick, that my horses enjoy doing. I explain how to teach it using R+ or R-.
All About Fly Masks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
I’m discussing the different types and kinds of fly masks. I also talk about the process of training a horse to wear a fly mask.
What You Should Know Before Getting a Mustang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:39
If you are considering getting a mustang either wild or trained there are few important things you should know first. I have gained so much from my experience with my mustangs. I want others who are interested and their…