tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507378410216982146.post315410462775553803..comments2020-02-19T00:23:46.035-08:00Comments on Positive Horse Training: 19. Maslow’s Triangle: a Hierarchy of NeedsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507378410216982146.post-66906023478154067792010-11-12T23:27:03.751-08:002010-11-12T23:27:03.751-08:00Safety is HUGE for horses.
"If he was fearf...Safety is HUGE for horses. <br /><br />"If he was fearful, I suspect that at some point the need for food would trump the fear"<br /><br />This is an interesting theoretical question. Many fearful horses will pick safety over food, even if they are hungry. I think at some extreme levels of fear, a horse might starve himself rather than face his fears. <br /><br />Water deprivation could be more effective? I know in some NH groups (natural horsemanship) they do advocate water deprivation for working with horses that can't be caught. <br /><br />MaryMary @ StaleCheerioshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02153831521688963020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507378410216982146.post-78984984259772658472010-10-28T18:02:33.654-07:002010-10-28T18:02:33.654-07:00I think, because there is no diagram, you misunder...I think, because there is no diagram, you misunderstood. If a horse can't breathe, he can't learn. The bottom of the triangle prevents the top ones. Food for rewards is not the same as food for survival. A horse that is hungry for a few days will not be able to learn as it is needing basic sustenance. Your are right, horses that are fearful cannot learn. Therefore, the motivators can't be used. But a horse that is fearful would be trumped by a horse that hasn't had food or water for days. If he was fearful, I suspect that at some point the need for food would trump the fear. I hope that clarifies.Donna Hill & Bruce Angushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13259971241281558857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507378410216982146.post-68613880644241184162010-10-25T13:48:16.631-07:002010-10-25T13:48:16.631-07:00Although Maslow's hierarchy places physiologic...Although Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs before most others, the biggest obstacle for most horse training is trying to train a horse that is fearful. Fear is a very powerful emotion in many horses, and the need to feel safe (as defined by the horse, not the person) can override treats, scratches and other reinforcers. Sometimes what the horse wants most is DISTANCE, and that can be the best reinforcer with a fearful horse. Once he's calmer, then you can resort to food or other "positive" reinforcers.Mad Dog Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09354737015251332909noreply@blogger.com