Spaced training enhances equine learning performance.

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Equine Learning
• Comparative Cognition

Background:

• The benefit of spaced training over massed training is well-documented in humans and other animals.
• Generalizing this learning principle to horses (Equus ferus caballus) could optimize equine training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the learning-performance benefit of spaced training generalizes to horses.
• To compare the effectiveness of spaced versus massed training on horses learning a novel obstacle-crossing task.

Main Methods:

• A field experiment with 29 horses randomly assigned to spaced (2 min work, 2 min rest, 2 min work, 2 min rest) or massed (4 min work, 4 min rest) training conditions.
• Total work and rest time per session were constant; sessions were spaced approximately 3 days apart.
• Horses were trained by a hypothesis-naïve rider to cross a novel obstacle under saddle.

Main Results:

• Fifteen of 16 horses (94%) in the spaced-training group reached performance criterion, compared to 5 of 13 horses (39%) in the massed-training group.
• Spaced-training horses initiated obstacle crossings faster and completed eight crossings more quickly than massed-training horses.
• Task acquisition was significantly higher in the spaced-training condition.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates that spaced training enhances learning and performance in horses, generalizing the benefit observed in other species.
• These findings provide practical applications for improving equine training protocols by incorporating spaced learning principles.
• Spaced training offers a more effective method for equine education, leading to faster acquisition and better performance.