Applying Learning Theory to Train Better Event Horses
As part of British Eventing's ongoing commitment to horse welfare, the forthcoming Welfare-Led Training series with Dr Gemma Pearson on the BE Prepared Training Hub explores how learning theory can be applied in everyday training to help riders communicate more effectively with their horses.
Over the last decade, our understanding of how horses learn has advanced enormously. Thanks to research in equitation science, we now have a much clearer understanding of how horses process information and how our training methods influence both their behaviour and their welfare. Whether we're leading a horse from the stable, loading them onto the lorry, schooling on the flat or jumping a cross-country fence, horses are constantly learning from their environment. Every interaction influences future behaviour, whether we intend it to or not - in other words, we are always training our horses.
We need to remember that we get the behaviour we reinforce, not necessarily the behaviour we want. Horses don't understand our intentions, they learn from the consequences of their actions. If our timing is poor, we may inadvertently reinforce something completely different from what we intended. Understanding these processes allows us to become clearer, fairer and more consistent trainers. Ultimately, this leads not only to better performance but also to horses that are more confident, relaxed and willing in their work.
Common Learning Theory Mistakes
Nagging with the leg
Constant pressure quickly teaches the horse to ignore the aid, turning it into background noise rather than a clear request.
Releasing pressure too late
The horse learns from the moment pressure is removed. Poor timing can reinforce an unintended behaviour.
Asking for too much too soon
Breaking exercises into smaller steps (shaping) builds confidence and understanding far more effectively than repeated failure.
Trying to train a frightened or angry horse
Horses in a heightened emotional state are far less able to process new information and are more likely to form negative associations.
Expecting learning to transfer automatically
Horses need opportunities to generalise their learning by practising the same skills in different environments.
Common Learning Theory Mistakes
Remember that horses are always learning
Every interaction, both on the ground and in the saddle, influences future behaviour.
Reward the behaviour you want.
Horses learn from the consequences of their actions, not from our intentions.
Timing is everything
Particularly when using negative reinforcement, the release of pressure is what teaches the horse.
Break new skills into small, achievable steps
Shaping allows horses to learn with confidence rather than confusion.
Calm horses learn more effectively
Emotional state directly influences trainability, so aim to create positive, predictable learning experiences.
Watch the Welfare-Led Training Series
To see these principles put into practice, watch the Welfare-Led Training video series with Dr Gemma Pearson on the BE Partners Page. The series explores how learning theory can be applied in everyday event horse training to improve communication, confidence, welfare and performance.
With Videos on:
With Videos on:
- How Horses Learn
- Busting the Pain vs Brain Myth
- Lighter Aids for Better Communication
- Teaching Calmness for Better Jumping
- Staying Straight at Skinnies
NEWSLETTER
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BE Prepared is an initiative of the British Eventing Training Foundation
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© 2026
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