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JASBB Baner text

Vol. 37 No. 4 (2019)

Articles

Motivation and ability to learn in relation to behavioural reactivity in horses

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/jasbb.2019.4.2
Submitted: July 8, 2019
Published: 2019-12-17

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between the learning ability and other behavioural profile traits in horses as well as to answer the question whether motivation to undertake a specific task facilitates the problem solving process and influences the learning rate. The study involved 31 Małopolska breed horses at various ages. The learning rate test consisted in moving or lifting the trough lid to achieve a reward. Additionally, all the horses were subjected to a series of behavioural tests. It was found that motivation to perform a specific task does not facilitate execution thereof and does not influence the speed of solving the problem. Similarly, the degree of horse’s arousal and the emotional reactivity do not exert impact on the speed of solving the problem and are not associated with the motivation for activity in a specific situation.

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