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Table 1 A sample list of tasks (and their relative level of complexity) associated with racing, show-jumping and dressage training

From: Psychological factors affecting equine performance

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