Is A Food Reward A Bribe?

When working in the positive reinforcement quadrant of operant conditioning, treats or food, are often provided as a reward. Many see this as a bribe, but is it really? Is a reward a bribe? I think not. I see a reward as a reward IF the intention IS to reward and reinforce a desired behavior. Perhaps in the human world, once could have a motivation of a bribe to influence someone to do something with ulterior motives, I would say that is possible. But in the animal or horse world, I don’t see it that way. Many horse training professionals with long lists of credentials and years of training talk about the food reward as a payment or thank you, or something that helps the animal feel good, or positive about the experience. My observation and experience with Food Rewards, when delivered with proper timing and dosing is a huge motivator for my horses. In the past, I strictly used release of pressure or negative reinforcement, removing a stimulus, as a reward, and I was able to train my horses to do incredible things. But to be honest, there was a part of me that felt like I just had obedient horses, and they were, and that’s great, but there was something inside of me that seemed to be missing. I didn’t see that wonderful joy I now see in my horses who WANT to OFFER COOL STUFF, like liberty half pass in collection! Now they ask me, is this what you want? Is this it? Then instead of waiting for me to ask them for something, like a trot transition, they offer it from the previous training session. I see food rewards a positive motivators and my horses seem much happier emotionally than in the past. Try it out, see what you find! Google some trainers and see what they say about HOW to deliver treats as the timing and dosing is highly important! Enjoy your time with your horse! Motivate them with something they love!!!