Effect of Horse Sleep Behavior on Performance in a Field-side Spatial Reversal Learning Test

This includes data from a study on the effect of horses' sleeping behaviour on their performance in a spatial reversal learning test under field conditions. The data has been used to investigate how to create a practical Reversal Learning Test (RLT) for horses that is easy to use in stable conditions, and to investigate whether the REM-like sleep behaviour of the horses explains differences between them in the RLT. The data set consists of false and correct RLT test responses calculated per test minute for horses participating in the test, as well as individual parameters for each horse. The horses performed a target training task followed by an RLT using two objects. When the horses reached a predefined frequency of touching the object (7 times/minute), the spatial location was reversed. Data is collected from Sixteen riding school horses both geldings and mares participated in the test. Horses were Warmbloods and Finnhorses. Nocturnal REM-like sleep behavior was recorded five times for 48 hours over a six-week period.