Do Equestrians Know How Their Horses Learn?

Why is it so important for equestrians to become educated about learning theory and its practical application? 
Knowingly or not in each single encounter with horses we use learning theory tools from our training toolbox. Sometimes equestrians pick the wrong tools from the toolbox or do not know how to use the selected tool correctly and due to this horses may suffer and may display behaviour considered to be naughty unwilling difficult or even dangerous.  
Horses do not test you nor are they being dominant and need you to show them that you are the boss. Training is all about bringing the right message across in fair and meaningful dialogue between horse and trainer employing the different tools that knowledge of learning theory will equip you with. Yes horses do talk to us using their own language. Often horses simply do not understand what the trainer wants from them either because the trainer does not understand how to use cues correctly or does not know how to reward correct horse behaviour predictably or in a timely manner so that the desired learning outcomes can be achieved. 

Traditionally horse training has been based on negative reinforcement as the mounted rider communicates with the horse by means of aids which in traditional training are solely based on negative reinforcement. Hence it is very important that all horse handlers and riders understand what negative and positive reinforcement means how it can be practically applied and that its incorrect application can result in a compromised welfare state and potentially abuse. 
We can observe horse abuse in all equestrian disciplines some types of abuse are just more obvious to spot than others. Unfortunately unlike some other mammals such as dogs horses very rarely use their voices to indicate that they are in pain. Horses reactions to pain or discomfort are often subtle and hard to spot since equids based on their natural survival instinct tend not to express pain too openly. You may have witnessed some riders applying strong leg or even spur pressure the go signal and rein pressure the slow down signal at the same time until the horse complies or does what the rider wants. This can present a welfare concern due to the simultaneous use of two contradictory cues accelerating and decelerating aids and may cause discomfort or pain. Some horses may try to escape pain by bucking or rearing often