Table 1 |
|||
| A sample list of tasks (and their relative level of complexity) associated with racing, show-jumping and dressage training | |||
| Discipline | Task | Type of learning process | Task complexity |
| Racing (all types) | Loading into the starting gate. | Habituation and operant conditioning (negative reinforcement) | Low |
| Racing (all types) | Increased or decreased speed of gallop in response to aids (bridle, leg and crop) | Operant conditioning (negative reinforcement) | Low |
| Racing (National Hunt) | Jumping | Motor-coordination | None |
| Show jumping | Increased or decreased collection in response to aids (bridle, leg and crop) | Operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement) | Medium |
| Show jumping | Jumping | Motor-coordination and operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement) | Medium |
| Dressage | Specific dressage moves ranging in complexity from collection to piaffe | Operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement) | Medium-high |
McBride and Mills BMC Veterinary Research 2012 8:180 doi:10.1186/1746-6148-8-180
