“Dropping” in male horses during training: Part 1. Perceptions from horse trainers

Horse trainers, in particular those using positive reinforcement, have noted dropping (penile tumescence) occurring during training sessions. Dropping has variably been interpreted as a sign of relaxation or frustration which can lead to misinterpretation and inappropriate use of management strategies. The objective of this study was to understand the incidence and perception of dropping by horse trainers. Trainers (n = 218) completed an online survey reporting trainer and horse demographics, training methods, dropping characteristics and perceptions. Trainers reported dropping during a session as highly variable in duration (0–100% of the time) and frequency (0 to multiple times). Natural horsemanship and traditional trainers reported dropping occurring less often (p = .002) and for shorter duration (p = .030) than positive reinforcement and combination trainers. Reported dropping occurred more often when food rewards were involved (p < .001). The reported use of touch (p = .089) and voice (p = .656) during training sessions was not related to the frequency or duration of penile dropping. How trainers managed and interpreted dropping behavior, how it made them feel and whether they believed it was a problem was not related to any demographic characteristics or their training style (p > .06). Most respondents reported ignoring dropping (61.7%) and did not believe it was a problem (59.4%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended comments categorized dropping as either a positive (indicating relaxation and enjoyment), negative (indicating frustration and overstimulation), food-related (response to too high value or too slow a provision of treat rewards) or situation-specific (learning new tasks or taking a break) event. These results suggest that dropping is related to the provision of food rewards and is highly variable.