We discuss and practice free jumping...not with a chute and whip, but with the obstacle in the middle of an arena or paddock.  We will utilize positive reinforcement to help horses enjoy and CHOOSE to jump.  Most horses find it fun and it stretches their toppline, which is good for any horse!

In this lesson we being teaching our horses to go from point A to Point B. This is useful for exercise, for teaching your horse to go away from you, to trailer load, and for teaching your horse to jump or go over obstacles.

Horses often times find unfamiliar things scary. In this lesson we will discuss(and practice) how to help your horse to perceive new things as good instead of worrisome. Technically speaking, it is called systematic desensitization and counter conditioning. It is a fantastic tool for all sorts of new objects, events and situations.

Many people struggle with good ways to motivate their horse to go forward...to WANT to go forward when asked. In this lesson we discuss ways to help your horse go forward. By utilizing positive reinforcement we put something in it the the horse wants and values and this is a game changer. We will discuss how to use targets and liberty leading to get your horse to respond to traditional cues. The process will change your horse's association with this behavior. We will also discuss how to fade these tools so that your horse will happily respond to your cues.

The trailer is only part of the equation. Teaching your horse to be relaxed, settled and focused in new places is crucial for creating a good experience. Often times this element is overlooked. Yet, the fear of new places and things can become the impetus for your horse to refuse to load in the trailer. In class today, we will discuss(and practice)ways to make the destinations a fun experience for both you and your horse.

Trailer loading/traveling is actually a lot of behaviors all put together. So we are going to address how to use positive reinforcement for each of the different stages to ensure that the horse enjoys and understands each element. This time we introduce the trailer actually moving.

Trailer loading/traveling is actually a lot of behaviors all put together. So we are going to address how to use positive reinforcement for each of the different stages to ensure that the horse enjoys and understands each element.

Helping horses who have difficulty loading become more than compliant about this essential behavior but actually enjoy it by utilizing positive reinforcement training.

Helping the rescue, feral, abused equine to go beyond acclimating to a life with humans, we will help them find their human interactions to be enjoyable utilizing positive reinforcement training. I address their fears, behavior and psychological state so that we can create a horse who is emotionally balanced and content.

How to introduce the clicker for ridden work. Using positive reinforcement(R+) and feeding while mounted seems complicated but it is actually pretty simple. R+ is great for addressing all sorts of under saddle issues but in this episode we will work through the early steps. More to come in upcoming episodes!