English Abstracts mup 1|2019 | 55 Dank an die FachgutachterInnen Die Schriftleitung und der Verlag möchten sich bei folgenden Personen ganz herzlich bedanken für die differenzierten Begutachtungen (Peer Review) der Beiträge für die „mensch & pferd international“ im Zeitraum vom September 2017 bis September 2018: ■ Susanne Bierkandt ■ Dr. Georgina Brandenberger ■ Dr. Berthold Brunner ■ Katja Gatz ■ Dr. Annette Gomolla ■ Dr. Angela Groskreutz ■ Dr. Bernd Hansen ■ Prof. Dr. Ewald Isenbügel ■ Alina Johannsen ■ Dr. Dietrich Pülschen ■ Dr. Meike Riedel ■ Dr. Ruth Schulte Mesum ■ Imke Urmoneit ■ Tanja Wildbahner ■ Willing to work? Riding therapy with horses trained by positive reinforcement Lisa Tometten A scientifically accepted theory about the teaching of new behaviors to horses is the learning by consequences (operant conditioning; e. g. Hendriksen / Elmgreen / Ladewig 2011; Innes / McBride 2008; Telatin et al. 2016). Negative reinforcement is widely used in practice but there seems to be a lack of concepts for the use of positive reinforcement in riding therapy. This study aims to relate education with mindfulness as well as understanding the effect of riding therapy with horses trained by positive reinforcement on people’s emotional state. Results show an increase of calmness and activation as well as a decrease of helplessness and negative emotions. The idea presented in this study seems to be appropriate for its use in riding therapy. No comparison with negative reinforcement can be made. Limitations, ideas for future research and practical implications will be discussed. Key words: Riding therapy, positive reinforcement, learning theory, horse training, mindfulness, emotions English Abstracts