DOMA RACIONAL DE CAVALOS

The relationship between humans and horses began thousands of years ago as predator and prey. In domestication, there was not always concern for the well-being of animals, unlike rational taming, which uses communication and body language. This study was carried out at the training center for horses in Limoeiro, PE. The research was carried out with the center's tamer, who reported the methodology used in the rational taming of animals, highlighting the techniques of negative reinforcement and successive approximation. Taming of foals begins after birth, carrying out desensitization and implementation of the halter. From the seventh day onwards, the animals begin to respond to voice and halter commands, starting to flex. When the foals assimilate what is proposed, around the 15th day, they are induced to retreat. With the adult horse, the first activity is in the pen and performing the conjunction. In this way, the animal's trust is gained and the tamer is able to establish a leadership relationship. Then the desensitization process begins with ropes and/or flags, with the aim of reducing the risk of escape and always showing that close to humans is the safest place. For rational taming it is necessary to observe the horse's behavior, connecting with the animal is the best way to make it feel safe, comfortable and do it best.