Observational learning - what does that mean? How many different ways can we interpret that phrase to the benefit of our horses. What kind of an observer/learner are you? Is that fixed for you or do you understand the power of "yet"?

Words matter. When you see a horse refusing to move forward over a simple trail class obstacle, what is the "story" you create around that? Is this horse being stubborn? Or is there another explanation?

Maybe he's feeling overwhelmed by the environment. Something that is okay at home has suddenly become very frightening. The first story leads to punishment. The second to lessons that will create training success. Which story will you choose?

Words matter. They very much effect both what we are able to observe and the training choices we make.