Good training is not just about correctly applying reinforcers but also about having a well-structured plan. Behavior does not emerge randomly; it is shaped through targeted reinforcement. The progression path is a concept based on the well-established principles of operant conditioning and provides a systematic way to adjust requirements in training. It helps trainers adapt the training flexibly to the horse’s individual learning process, ensuring long-term, stable, and reliable behavior.
Structure with flexibility
Every training session starts with a plan. The progression path describes the systematic progression of training requirements, ensuring that the horse continues to make progress without becoming overwhelmed or demotivated. It is built on the principles of operant conditioning, using targeted reinforcement to shape behavior effectively and sustainably.
A well-structured training program follows the principle of gradual progression. New challenges are introduced step by step, as horses rarely learn in a perfectly linear way. Instead, learning often happens in waves – on some days, there are big breakthroughs, while on others, progress seems to stagnate.
The biggest challenge for trainers is finding the right balance between too much and too little challenge. If an exercise progresses too quickly, the horse may become overwhelmed and unable to perform. However, if it remains at the same level for too long, the horse may become sloppy or disengaged. This is where the progression path comes into play, offering trainers a clear strategy to adjust the level of difficulty dynamically.
The term „progression path“ was coined by Viviane Theby to make this principle more practical and user-friendly. While the underlying concept itself is not new, her terminology provides a helpful framework for trainers to consciously manage the interplay between increasing difficulty, reinforcement rate, and behavior quality.
Since each horse learns differently, training must remain flexible. The progression path can be adjusted in two ways:
- If the horse is making exceptional progress or needs more motivationMotivation ist der innere Antrieb, der ein Lebewesen dazu veranlasst, ein bestimmtes Verhalten zu zeigen. Sie entsteht durch die Erwartung, ein Bedürfnis zu befriedigen oder eine Konsequenz zu vermeiden. Motivation... » Weiterlesen, the reward path (Belohnungsschiene) can be used. Here, the difficulty level is temporarily reduced, or the reinforcement rate is increased.
- If the horse’s performance declines in an already established behavior, the correction path (Strafschiene) can help by increasing the challenge, promptingPrompting ist eine Trainingsmethode, bei der ein Hinweisreiz gezielt eingesetzt wird, um ein fertiges Verhalten auszulösen. Das Tier zeigt das Verhalten nicht spontan, sondern als Reaktion auf den gesetzten Reiz.... » Weiterlesen the horse to deliver a higher-quality performance.
These mechanisms allow trainers to maintain a structured yet adaptable training process that is both effective and horse-friendly.
The reward path – maintaining motivation and stabilizing behavior
The reward path can be used when the horse performs an exercise particularly well. In this case, the task is temporarily simplified so that the horse can be reinforced more frequently or with less effort. This strategy helps keep the horse motivated and stabilizes behaviors.
An important theoretical foundation of the reward path is the Premack PrincipleDas Premack-Prinzip besagt, dass ein häufig gezeigtes und bevorzugtes Verhalten als Verstärker für ein weniger wahrscheinliches Verhalten genutzt werden kann. Ein Tier oder Mensch ist eher bereit, eine weniger attraktive... » Weiterlesen. This states that a more probable behavior can serve as reinforcement for a less probable behavior. In practice, this means that a simple, familiar exercise can function as reinforcement for a more challenging task.
The reward path is particularly useful in the following situations:
When the horse has successfully completed a particularly demanding task.
When it has already worked a lot and motivation or stamina is decreasing.
When a new exercise is introduced and the horse needs quick success experiences.
I frequently use the reward path for duration training. If the horse has held or performed an exercise for an extended period, I „reinforce“ it afterward with a shorter duration, sometimes multiple times in a row. There is no need to follow a fixed pattern, but one can: If the horse has held the exercise for 6 seconds, it can then be asked to hold it for 3 x 2 seconds or 6 x 1 second. In practice, it will likely come down to reinforcing „by feel“ or choosing a particularly high frequency, which is perfectly fine.
Another scenario that does not relate to a specific behavior is reinforcing a difficult or particularly good execution with a well-established, frequently performed behavior. After the horse has performed the desired behavior, I „reinforce“ it with simple actions, such as touching a (hand) targetEin Target ist ein sichtbares Objekt oder eine Körperstelle, auf die das Tier gezielt reagieren soll, indem es sie berührt oder folgt. Es dient als Orientierungshilfe im Training und ermöglicht... » Weiterlesen.
The reward path can also be used, as mentioned earlier, when motivation decreases or when the horse needs a conditioning break without interrupting the training. In such cases, simple, well-known behaviors with a long reinforcement history have proven effective.
A pragmatic way to work with the reward path is to increase the value of reinforcement, for example, by feeding multiple reinforcers without requiring an additional behavior, offering higher-quality reinforcement, or increasing the quantity.
There is, therefore, a wide range of possibilities for reinforcement on the reward path: shorter duration of the same behavior followed by reinforcement, a simple, well-known, frequently performed behavior followed by reinforcement, increasing the value of the reinforcer, and combinations of these strategies.
The correction path – using it intentionally and thoughtfully
The correction path can be used when a horse does not correctly perform a task it has already mastered. In this case, the difficulty is temporarily increased, so the horse must put in more effort compared to the „incorrect“ execution in order to receive reinforcement. Typical scenarios include a decrease in the duration or intensity of an exercise.
This concept is based on insights from behavioral economics and the Response CostResponse Cost ist eine Form der negativen Strafe (P-), bei dem ein bereits erhaltener Verstärker entzogen wird, um die Auftretenswahrscheinlichkeit eines unerwünschten Verhaltens zu reduzieren. Es handelt sich um eine... » Weiterlesen principle. Like all animals, horses tend to obtain reinforcement with minimal energy expenditure. If a behavior has been consistently reinforced in the past, even if performed at a lower quality, the horse learns that putting in more effort is not worthwhile. It will then execute the task only as well as necessary to receive reinforcement.
Response Cost describes this exact behavioral adjustment mechanism. It is a form of negative punishmentNegative Strafe oder negative Bestrafung (P-, negative Punishment) bedeutet, dass etwas Angenehmes entzogen oder vorenthalten wird, um die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines unerwünschten Verhaltens zu verringern. Das Pferd verliert eine bereits erhaltene... » Weiterlesen, where a reinforcer (the previously easily accessible reward) is no longer provided for a suboptimal performance. The horse loses the opportunity to succeed with minimal effort and must deliver a higher-quality performance to regain reinforcement. This strengthens the behavior in a higher-quality version because it shifts the cost – benefit balance for the horse, making the additional effort more rewarding than the previous, lower-effort variant.
Why does a horse become sloppy in its execution? In most cases, the cause lies not with the horse but with the training itself. Sloppiness usually creeps in gradually when the horse learns that it is reinforced for mediocre performance just as often as for precise or energetic execution. This often happens unconsciously when the trainer initially reinforces even small progress, which is understandable, but then fails to increase the criteriaEin Kriterium ist eine klare, einzelne Anforderung, die ein Tier in einem Training erfüllen muss, um eine Verstärkung zu erhalten. Es definiert eine präzise Eigenschaft des erwünschten Verhaltens, beispielsweise die... » Weiterlesen at the right time.
Another reason could be that the trainer is not consistent in maintaining clear timing and reinforcement criteria. If reinforcement is no longer clearly linked to a specific behavior, or if the timing becomes imprecise, the horse may no longer understand which level of effort is actually worthwhile.
Ideally, training should be structured to prevent sloppiness from developing in the first place. The principle of „Errorless Learning“ suggests that training should be designed to avoid situations where incorrect or incomplete versions of a behavior occur. This means that the trainer must clearly define what will be reinforced from the start and gradually increase the criteria so that the desired behavior remains stable and reliable.
However, in reality, training is rarely perfect. Especially when it comes to establishing reliably repeatable behavior, there are times when mediocre execution creeps in, or the horse learns that it can succeed with less effort. In such cases, it is important to have strategies to improve the quality of behavior again – and this is where the correction path can be a useful tool.
Switching to the correction path may initially lead to confusion or frustrationFrustration ist eine emotionale Reaktion, die auftritt, wenn ein Lebewesen daran gehindert wird, ein erwartetes Ziel zu erreichen oder eine gewohnte Belohnung zu erhalten. Sie entsteht besonders dann, wenn ein... » Weiterlesen, as the horse has become accustomed to succeeding with lower effort. It may show extinctionSiehe Löschung. » Weiterlesen bursts, offering the previous behavior more intensely or frequently to try and regain reinforcement. This is a normal learning process and indicates that the horse has noticed the change in reinforcement patterns. The trainer should remain patient during this phase and wait for the horse to demonstrate a better-quality version of the behavior – only then should reinforcement be given again.
The key to successfully using the correction path is accurately assessing the horse’s abilities. If the difficulty is increased too quickly or too much, the behavior may break down because the horse no longer understands what is expected. In such cases, the trainer should step back and adjust the criteria more gradually.
It is also essential that the trainer maintains the positive mindset of clicker training. The correction path is not about punishing the horse, but about refining behavior to a higher quality. If the training begins to feel unpleasant or the horse shows signs of stressStress ist eine körperliche und emotionale Reaktion auf eine Herausforderung, Belastung oder Bedrohung. Er entsteht, wenn ein Lebewesen eine Situation als herausfordernd oder überwältigend wahrnimmt und sich anpassen muss. Stress... » Weiterlesen or confusion, the trainer should pause and consider whether switching to the reward path would be a better approach.
The correction path should always be used intentionally and with careDas Care-System ist eines der sieben primären emotionalen Systeme aus Jaak Panksepps Konzept der Affective Neuroscience. Es ist für Fürsorgeverhalten und soziale Bindungen verantwortlich. Es wird durch das Hormon Oxytocin... » Weiterlesen. It is a tool for improving behavior that has developed in a lower-quality version, helping the horse to increase its effort and engagement. At the same time, it is a technique that requires experience and precise timing. When used correctly, it can help to make behaviors more precise and reliable – but only under the condition that the horse continues to understand how to obtain reinforcement.
Overlaps between the correction path and the reward path – when to use which?
Although the correction path and the reward path may seem like opposites at first glance, they actually have overlapping effects. Both paths aim to increase the horse’s motivation and improve the quality of execution. In both cases, the horse is encouraged to put in more effort or work more precisely in order to receive reinforcement. The difference lies primarily in how this behavioral change is achieved.
The reward path works by increasing the reinforcement rate or reducing the difficulty of the task, allowing the horse to experience quick success. If a horse is motivated but hesitant or cautious, a higher reinforcement rate can encourage it to put in more effort and perform the behavior with greater energy or precision. This strategy is particularly useful when a horse has not yet fully solidified a behavior or when it should approach a new challenge with enthusiasm.
Another important aspect of the reward path is that it can serve as a strategic break when the horse needs a short mental or physical recovery. Especially during demanding exercises or tasks that require high levels of concentration, it can be beneficial to temporarily switch to an easier task or increase reinforcement frequency. This helps keep the horse engaged and fresh, allowing it to return to the main task with renewed energy.
The correction path, on the other hand, changes the horse’s cost – benefit balance by increasing the difficulty of the task. Instead of increasing reinforcement frequency, the horse realizes that it must put in more effort or work more precisely in order to earn reinforcement at all. This method is particularly useful when the horse already knows an exercise well but has become sloppy or inconsistent over time, having learned that a mediocre execution is sufficient to receive reinforcement.
The choice between the two paths depends largely on the underlying cause of the problem. If the horse needs motivation or clarity, the reward path is the better option. If the horse already understands the task but is not putting in enough effort, the correction path may be the more effective choice.
In some cases, it can be useful to combine both paths strategically: A trainer might briefly switch to the correction path to encourage the horse to put in more effort, then return to the reward path to stabilize the improved behavior or provide a mental break.
Ultimately, the choice of path depends on whether the horse needs more motivation or a higher level of difficulty to perform the desired behavior in the best possible quality.
The trainer’s responsibility – reinforce consciously, shape behavior intentionally
In the end, the quality of a behavior is always the responsibility of the trainer. The horse does not consciously decide whether to perform an exercise precisely or sloppily – it simply does whatever is most rewarding for it. If a mediocre performance has been reinforced repeatedly, then the horse has learned exactly that: putting in more effort is not worthwhile. Instead of seeing this as a „mistake,“ the trainer should recognize it as valuable feedback – the horse reflects the training it has received.
This is where the greatest responsibility of the trainer lies: shapingShaping ist ein Trainingskonzept, bei dem ein Verhalten schrittweise geformt wird. Das bedeutet, dass bereits kleine Ansätze des gewünschten Verhaltens verstärkt werden, bis das Tier das vollständige Verhalten zeigt. Das... » Weiterlesen behavior through reinforcement. It is not enough to simply reinforce correct behavior – what matters is consistency and precision. A trainer who understands that every reinforcement sends a message to the horse will be more mindful of when they reinforce, what they reinforce, and what behavioral development they are fostering.
However, training is not just about shaping behavior deliberately – it also requires sensitivity to the horse’s individual daily condition. Not every weaker execution of a behavior is a sign of carelessness. The horse may be tired, uncomfortable, or mentally or physically unable to meet the usual standard on that day. Good training is not rigid, but rather a dynamic dialogue between trainer and horse.
For this reason, a trainer should always critically assess why a horse is performing a behavior with lower quality, rather than simply switching to the correction path. Is the task too difficult? Does the horse lack confidence? Could it be experiencing discomfort or mental exhaustion? Only by asking these questions can the trainer make a fair and horse-friendly decision. The correction path is not a tool for fixing mistakes – it is a deliberate strategy for improving quality, and it should only be used if the horse has already mastered the exercise and is capable of meeting the increased requirements.
The great thing about this approach is that responsibility also means controlControl (Kontrolle) ist ein fundamentales Grundbedürfnis, da sie einem Individuum die Möglichkeit gibt, aktiv Einfluss auf seine Umwelt und sein eigenes Verhalten zu nehmen. Kontrolle bedeutet, dass Handlungen vorhersehbare und... » Weiterlesen. A trainer who is aware of their role can shape the horse’s behavior in a targeted manner, without the need for corrections or pressure. The progression path, reward path, and correction path are not rigid tools, but flexible methods that allow the training to be tailored individually, fairly, and with empathy. A skilled trainer considers not only effectiveness but also the emotional and physical well-being of the horse.
In the end, training is not just about shaping precise behavior, but about fostering a motivated, trusting, and engaged horse. The best trainers are not just consistent – they are also empathetic.
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