More research on geldings dropping
First, behavior should not be reduced to a single function, context, horse, observation, biochemical response, or research study. It is critically important to consider all observable behaviors, context clues, and situational factors when attempting to interpret behavior. Behavior is the study of one, and most—if not all—behavior should be evaluated on an individual and situational basis, and CAN have multiple functions and motivations.
Once again, I am presenting this data solely because it is rarely seen circulating or discussed in the broader debate on dropping. There certainly needs to be more research conducted on this topic. However, when we examine the current research available, it does seem to suggest that dropping is NOT USUALLY a sign of stress.
I am not arguing that dropping can never be a sign of stress or pain. I am simply presenting the current research we have and asking you to keep an open mind, READ the studies, seek out additional research on your own, and observe your horses' behavior with a neutral perspective. Horse owners are not always the most reliable at interpreting their horses' behavior and emotional states. And yes, there is even a study on that. Do we have some bias, preconceived notions, and superstitious behaviors ourselves?
One of the best studies was behind a pay wall. So, I bought the article, and have attached it as a Google Drive link, because I think this research should be available to the public. If you want the PDF version, I am happy to email it to you!
Key Findings from the Research:
1. Dropping in Male Horses During Training (Merkies et al., 2023)
Observation Study: Video analysis of 24 horses during training sessions.
Key Result: Dropping occurred in 69% of the sessions, with no correlation to stress behaviors such as head tossing, tail swishing, or lip licking.
Main Drivers:
Increased food rewards were linked to higher instances of dropping.
Dropping was more frequent in prime-aged horses (11-15 years).
No significant correlation with clicker use or physical touch.
Conclusion: Dropping appears related to affective states and food anticipation rather than stress responses. No evidence linked dropping to discomfort or emotional stress.
2. Spontaneous Erection and Masturbation in Equids (McDonnell et al., 1991)
Study Focus: Natural occurrences of SEAM in horses without human interaction.
Key Result: SEAM was observed frequently in relaxed, non-stressful environments such as turnout and resting periods.
Conclusion: SEAM is a normal, spontaneous behavior unrelated to stress or anxiety. It appears to be a standard physiological response in stallions and geldings under calm conditions.
3. Behavioral Indicators of Stress in Horses (Hall et al., 2013)
Study Focus: Identification of reliable stress indicators in horses.
Key Stress Indicators Identified:
Elevated head carriage.
Tail swishing.
Lip licking (when paired with other stress behaviors).
Conclusion: None of these stress behaviors were associated with dropping during training sessions in other studies, suggesting dropping is not a stress indicator.
4. The Role of Dopamine and Positive Reinforcement
Physiological Link: Dropping has been associated with the dopamine system, a neurotransmitter linked to reward and motivation rather than stress (Giuliano & Allard, 2001)
Food Rewards: Positive reinforcement training with food often triggers dopamine release, which can result in dropping without any link to stress.
5. Age and Time of Day Factors
Age: Horses between 11-15 years showed higher rates of dropping, possibly linked to peak physiological maturity rather than emotional states.
Time of Day: Dropping was less common during afternoon training sessions, aligning with circadian hormonal fluctuations (Kirkpatrick et al., 1976).
Conclusions Across Studies:
No Evidence of Stress Correlation: Dropping and SEAM were not linked with stress behaviors in any of the reviewed studies.
Physiological Basis: The behavior appears primarily linked to dopamine activity and food rewards, consistent with relaxed states.
Natural Occurrence: SEAM and dropping are common, spontaneous behaviors observed in both training and natural contexts without stress triggers.
This evidence reinforces the importance of understanding equine body language within the broader context of behavior science rather than assuming stress-based interpretations for natural physiological responses.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S0168159123000473
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/.../11_4UCD4fjUkaeY5Xs1.../view...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S0378432005001855
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/4/421#B23-animals-12-00421
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0737080606812426
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0749073917304662
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/0014299986902773
https://academic.oup.com/.../article.../64/1/27/2653453
Geldings “dropping”
I've seen too many posts with incorrect information and have had enough clients ask about this topic that it's time for me to clear things up.
There are a lot of discussions circulating about geldings (or stallions) dropping during positive reinforcement (R+) training sessions. And, as always, this has sparked the debate: Is it stress or happiness?
Many professionals have been weighing in on this lately, with most leaning toward the explanation of stress. However, there's a crucial piece of information I rarely see discussed. Thank you, reproductive physiology classes, for locking this into my brain years ago! Funny how certain facts just stick with you.
First, let me be clear: You cannot take a snapshot of a behavior and definitively declare the motivation or emotion behind it. Behavior is far more nuanced than that. Every behavior must be interpreted within its full context, considering other observable behaviors.
For example, consider pawing. It could indicate:
Distance-creating or defensive behavior
Anxiety
Anticipation due to excitement
A trained behavior offered calmly
A trained behavior offered excitedly
A foraging behavior
A precursor to rolling
Pain
The function, motivation, and emotion behind pawing can vary widely, which is why context and accompanying behaviors are essential for interpretation. The same applies to dropping. Now, let's circle back and take a look at what is going on inside the body, when dropping is observed.
Biochemical Lesson: The Physiology Behind Dropping
While emotions can't be reduced to pure biochemistry, biochemistry can offer significant insights. Let's break down the biological processes involved.
Biochemical Process of Penile Erection:
Sexual Arousal Triggers Neural Activation:
The parasympathetic nervous system releases nitric oxide (NO) from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerve terminals and endothelial cells.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Production:
NO is synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes (eNOS and nNOS).
Calcium influx activates these enzymes, leading to NO release.
Guanylate Cyclase Activation and cGMP Production:
NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), converting guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP reduces intracellular calcium, inhibiting calcium channels and promoting calcium storage.
Smooth Muscle Relaxation:
Reduced calcium allows smooth muscle relaxation in the corpora cavernosa, causing penile arteries to dilate and fill with blood.
Increased intracavernosal pressure compresses venous outflow, maintaining the erection.
Biochemical Process of Detumescence (Penile Retraction):
Sympathetic Nervous System Activation:
Norepinephrine (NE) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) activate G-protein coupled receptors in smooth muscle cells.
This triggers the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, increasing intracellular calcium.
Calcium-Dependent Contraction:
Increased calcium activates myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), which phosphorylates myosin, causing smooth muscle contraction and reducing blood flow.
PDE5 and cGMP Breakdown:
The enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down cGMP, reversing smooth muscle relaxation.
Stress (Cortisol) vs. Oxytocin (Relaxation)
Cortisol (Stress Response):
Released during stress, cortisol inhibits NO release and reduces cGMP production.
This results in increased smooth muscle contraction and penile retraction.
Oxytocin (Relaxation and Bonding Hormone):
Released during positive emotional states, oxytocin stimulates NO production and vasodilation.
This promotes smooth muscle relaxation and penile engorgement.
In Simple Terms:
Simply put, norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline) is part of the sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response). It triggers the body's process that causes the penis to retract. There is also evidence that cortisol, a stress hormone, can reduce or even block nitric oxide activity, which is essential for blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation). Additionally, when the sympathetic nervous system is active, the retractor penis muscle contracts, pulling the penis back into the sheath.
On the other hand, oxytocin and other neurotransmitters released by the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest-and-digest or feed-and-breed response) help the body relax. During positive reinforcement training, these chemicals promote smooth muscle relaxation, sometimes leading to penile engorgement.
In summary, when a horse "drops" during a positive reinforcement session, the biochemistry behind the behavior would indicate relaxation, not stress. According to the biochemistry, this physiological response cannot happen when the horse is in a stressed or fearful state.
What This Means for R+ Training
When a gelding drops during a positive reinforcement session, the biochemical processes occurring in the body suggests the horse is in the parasympathetic nervous system, not the sympathetic nervous system. The physiological response you’re seeing (smooth muscle relaxation and penile engorgement) cannot occur when the sympathetic nervous system (stress response) is active.
HOWEVER - I want to reiterate, that we cannot interpret a behavior looking at biochemistry alone. There are MANY things at play for each and every behavior.
Both animals and humans can become overly excited or aroused, even when the excitement is positive. This state of being over threshold (even in a positive way) can lead to distraction and loss of focus, or even frustration, anxiety, and conflict behaviors, even if the emotions are positive. This is not a place we want to hang out in either! That is also something we want to address and change.
*Important Considerations*
Superstitious Behaviors: Dropping can become conditioned during training, just like other behaviors such as ears forward or back. If a horse is consistently reinforced while dropping, the behavior might become linked with the training itself. (The old “click-a-dick” phenomenon.)
Individual Differences: Not all horses respond to pressure or learning challenges the same way. Some horses thrive when working through minor challenges, while others may struggle or shut down. Training should always be adapted to the individual horse in front of you.
Conclusion
Let’s not rush to judge a behavior based on a single observation. Behaviors have many possible functions, motivations, and emotional underpinnings. It’s crucial to consider the context and accompanying behaviors before making assumptions. Understanding the biochemistry behind behavior can also offer valuable insights into what hormones and neurotransmitters are active at the time.
When in doubt, remember Dr. Susan Friedman’s words: “Behavior is the study of ONE.” Trust your observations, stay curious, and keep learning.
I encourage you to explore this topic further—I've linked some excellent articles and studies below for more in-depth information.
Happy Training!
**** EDIT ****
To clarify and reiterate - dropping can go one way or the other. It depends on the horse and the situation. But if we JUST look at the biochemistry - THAT would suggest that it can not occur under stress. However, like I said, behavior cannot be interpreted solely on the biochemistry.
Pain and physical issues are a whole other thing.
Dropping (or SEAM) can be observed in MANY contexts and have MANY reasons
More info:
Horse Sport. (2023, October 6). Observing pain in elite event horses at Badminton and Burghley. Horse Sport. Retrieved from https://horsesport.com/magazine/behaviour/observing-pain-elite-event-horses-badminton-burghley/
Pedrosa, K., & Clinton, R. (2012). Mechanisms in Erectile Function and Dysfunction: An Overview. InTech. doi: 10.5772/39088 https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/30215
Salvio, G., Martino, M., Giancola, G., Arnaldi, G., & Balercia, G. (2021). Hypothalamic–Pituitary Diseases and Erectile Dysfunction. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(12), 2551. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10122551 https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/12/2551
Stress in horses: what impact on health and performance? Mar 15, 2022 | Physiology, Welfare https://vet.arioneo.com/en/blog/stress-in-horses-what-impact-on-health-and-performance
Figure 3. Pedrosa, K., & Clinton, R. (2012). Mechanisms in Erectile Function and Dysfunction: An Overview. InTech. doi: 10.5772/39088 https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/30215
Figure 4. Pedrosa, K., & Clinton, R. (2012). Mechanisms in Erectile Function and Dysfunction: An Overview. InTech. doi: 10.5772/39088 https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/30215
How to Start Training Your Horse with Positive Reinforcement
It all begins with an idea.
Hi, I’m Abigail, and I help everyday horse owners build a collaborative and joyful relationship with their horses using the science of positive reinforcement training (R+). Today, I’m sharing how to get started with R+ training and avoid common pitfalls, especially for beginners.
My Journey into Positive Reinforcement Training
My introduction to R+ training began long before I worked professionally with horses. As a kid, I naturally used food rewards to train my outdoor cats to perform tricks, even though I didn’t fully understand the science behind it. Later, during my animal science degree and professional work in zoos, positive reinforcement was standard practice. It was the only way to train safely and ethically with species like tigers and jaguars.
When I began applying R+ to my own horses, I noticed how much more effective and compassionate it was compared to traditional methods. My zoo mentors and formal training in behavior science gave me a solid foundation, but transitioning to horses came with its own learning curve.
Why Positive Reinforcement Training?
Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, creating a safe and empowering learning environment for the horse. Instead of using pressure or fear, R+ relies on the horse voluntarily offering behaviors for rewards, making training clearer and more ethical.
Steps to Get Started with Positive Reinforcement:
Learn the Basics of Operant Conditioning: Understanding the four quadrants of learning theory and how behavior works will set you up for success.
Join a Membership or Learning Community: Courses and memberships like the Shawna Karrasch Membership or Animal Training Academy (or mine!) offer structured guidance and support.
Flood Your Social Media with R+ Content: Surround yourself with positive reinforcement resources for inspiration and continued learning.
Focus on Foundation Behaviors: Start with calm, default behaviors and build from there. I offer a free list of foundational behaviors on my website to help you get started.
Use Treats Mindfully: Prioritize healthy forage-based reinforcers instead of sugary treats.
Final Thoughts
R+ training is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious, patient, and compassionate with yourself and your horse. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide, sign up for my email list for free resources and join my membership for personalized support.
Happy training!
Clean Loops
It all begins with an idea.
What Are Clean Loops?
Clean loops refer to smooth, error-free repetitions during training where the learner consistently performs the desired behavior without unwanted behaviors creeping in. This concept, developed by Alexandra Kurland and Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz, helps trainers ensure clarity and success in their sessions.
Why Do Clean Loops Matter?
Clean loops are essential because they:
Minimize Frustration: Fewer errors lead to a calmer, more confident horse.
Prevent Unwanted Behaviors: Avoid accidental reinforcement of behaviors like pawing or nudging.
Build Stronger Behaviors: Behaviors learned without errors are more durable and reliable.
Where Do Errors Come From?
Errors in training typically stem from three areas:
Learning History: Previous experiences influencing behavior.
Current Criteria: Asking for too much, too soon.
Environment: Distractions or stressors affecting focus.
Creating Clean Loops in Your Training
Start Small: Break behaviors down into tiny, achievable steps.
Feed Strategically: Deliver food in a way that sets your horse up for the next repetition.
Use Clear Cues: Ensure cues are consistent and easy to understand.
Monitor Emotional Responses: Aim for calm, engaged participation.
Example of a Clean Loop
Target Training:
Horse touches the target → Click → Treat
Horse returns to neutral → Cue target again
Repetition with no extra behaviors
Final Thoughts
Clean loops create clarity and confidence in both you and your horse. By reducing errors and reinforcing correctly, you'll build stronger behaviors and a positive training experience. If you’re looking for deeper guidance on clean loops and positive reinforcement, check out my membership for personalized support and live lessons.
Happy Training!
Alexandra Kurland (R+ Horse Trainer who came up with and coined “Clean Loops”
https://www.theclickercenter.com/
Clicker Expo Clean Loops Team Taught
https://video.clickertraining.com/programs/training-in-loops-teamtaught
Training Multiple Horses with R+
It all begins with an idea.
The Ideal Scenario
The best way to train multiple horses is to isolate the horse you're working with. This setup:
Minimizes Distractions: Allows the horse to focus better.
Prevents Resource Guarding: Reduces stress around food and attention.
Improves Clarity: Prevents emotional responses from other herd members affecting the learner.
However, I completely understand that isolation isn't always possible, especially in boarding situations or large pastures. So, let’s discuss some practical solutions when you can't create the ideal setup.
Strategies for Training Multiple Horses
Train During Feeding Time: While other horses are eating, you can focus on training one horse with fewer interruptions.
Use Enrichment for the Herd: Scatter hay or safe browse to keep other horses occupied during your session.
Train Slightly Away from the Herd: Take your horse a short distance from the group where they can still see the others but aren't directly interacting.
No Hand Feeding in the Pasture: Avoid random treat-giving to multiple horses without clear training intent, as it can encourage crowding and resource guarding.
Using a Halter as a Training Signal
A simple way to create clarity when working with multiple horses is using the halter as a training cue. Only the horse wearing the halter receives food and attention during the session, while others learn to wait their turn. Be consistent and clear, ensuring you protect the horse you're working with from being pushed around by other horses.
Teaching Horses to Take Turns
With some effort, you can train multiple horses together and teach them to take turns. Steps include:
Start with Protected Contact: Use barriers or separate areas.
Stationing: Have each horse stand at a designated spot.
Feed in Patterns: Rotate through the horses in a consistent order.
Final Thoughts
Working with multiple horses takes planning, but it’s entirely possible with positive reinforcement. Whether you train individually or teach turn-taking, clarity, and consistency are key. For more guidance, check out my membership where we dive deeper into these techniques and offer personalized support.
Happy Training!
3 Most Common Mistakes
It all begins with an idea.
Today, I’m covering the three most common mistakes I see people make when starting R+ training with their horses. I’ve worked with horse owners all over the country and these patterns show up time and again—so let’s dive in and learn how to avoid them!
Mistake #1: Skipping Foundation Behaviors
The most frequent mistake I see is not solidifying the foundational behaviors before moving on to advanced training. These core skills are the roots of your training—without them, the entire structure can collapse later on. Foundation behaviors like calm default, targeting, and stationing are essential because they:
Teach critical skills like duration and movement.
Establish clear communication.
Prepare the horse for more complex tasks.
If you’re unsure where to start, I have a free list of five foundational behaviors available on my website—these are the ones I use with nearly all my clients.
Another aspect of this mistake is not knowing what behaviors to train next. It can feel overwhelming to figure out what steps to take or how to build a logical training plan. If you’re feeling stuck, try:
Following professional trainers on social media for inspiration.
Joining positive reinforcement Facebook groups.
Exploring memberships and resources designed for ongoing support.
Mistake #2: Not Prioritizing Emotional Balance
Training isn’t just about behaviors—it’s about emotions too. One of the biggest gaps I see in training is failing to balance emotional control. Ideally, we want a horse that is:
Engaged but not frantic: Avoid creating a "cookie monster" who becomes overly fixated on treats.
Calm but not shut down: Ensure your horse isn’t emotionally disengaged or avoiding training.
Willing but not coerced: Positive reinforcement should inspire the horse’s willingness without pressure or coercion.
Strive for emotional balance by varying activities with your horse. Mix in grooming, hand grazing, walks, and enrichment alongside your formal training. This variety prevents training from becoming overwhelming and helps your horse stay mentally healthy.
Mistake #3: Not Seeking Support or Building a Community
The final mistake is trying to go it alone. Positive reinforcement is a skill that requires continuous learning and growth, and having the right support system can make all the difference.
How to build your support network:
Take Lessons: Personalized feedback accelerates your progress and clarifies confusing concepts.
Join a Membership: Communities like Shawna Karrasch’s membership and my own offer video reviews, live group lessons, and supportive forums.
Engage on Social Media: Flood your feeds with inspiring trainers and positive reinforcement content.
Professional guidance, whether through lessons, memberships, or free content like podcasts and YouTube, provides clarity and helps you stay motivated when challenges arise.
Final Thoughts
These three mistakes—skipping foundations, neglecting emotional balance, and not seeking support—are incredibly common but also very fixable. By focusing on solid foundation behaviors, staying mindful of your horse’s emotions, and surrounding yourself with a supportive learning community, you’ll create a more positive, successful training journey for you and your horse.
If you’re looking for more help with positive reinforcement training, I offer both virtual and in-person lessons, along with my membership program where you can get personalized feedback and ongoing support.
Happy Training!