In my equine scent work session with Rum this week, I made a mistake that really highlighted the need for an errorless approach. He indicated on the wrong container, the blank without odour (in theory) and my instinct, was to offer no reinforcement, and redirect him to the search. Not really an errorless approach. In an errorless framework, we don’t let the learner practise mistakes. Instead, we set up the training so they always have a clear path to success. In scent work, that means making the right choice easy and reinforcing it well, while using free food to reset if they make an unexpected response. When Rum got it ‘wrong,’ the real error was mine, my container was potentially contaminated. I should have dropped food to reset and adjusted the setup to prevent it happening again. It’s about guiding the learner rather than correcting them, so they’re always working in a space where success is inevitable.

[email protected] if you have questions

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In this episode my friend and colleague Katrina Per-Carruthers unpick some training fails and discuss solutions that are horse centred.

Mounting block problems, fence refusal and unwillingness to go forward were in our sights this time. If you have topics you'd like us to cover then do drop me a message.

Katrina Per-Carruthers lives in British Columbia, Canada where she trains a variety of species. Katrina has been a coach for over 15 years and is a passionate advocate for the use of humane training methods to improve animal welfare.

Find Katrina here:

https://www.instagram.com/leviosaequine

https://www.facebook.com/leviosaequine

https://www.leviosaequine.com/

I don't always recommend clicker training as a first option when I start working with a new client. Why? Well take a listen as I talk through a specific example and explain ways that I might add some R+ based training without the pressure of the trainer carrying food and having to be great at timing and mechanics.

How do I square this with working inside a LIMA framework?

As always questions and comments are welcome!

Email me at [email protected]

The topic of male horses 'dropping' when training with food (clicker training) has reared its head again- I'm glad because it is a topic we need to consider.

In this short episode I will explain (again) why I don't think we should brush this topic under the carpet!

Warning- I talk about penises in this episode.

If you want help with your horse dropping or over threshold when training with food- get in touch, [email protected] or www.equine.training

Find Kate:

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In this final short episode on target training I delve a little deeper into how and when I use targets in my training.

Questions? Comments? Drop me a message or email [email protected]

The third (hop back and listen to the first two if you haven't yet) in the clicker training targets mini series.

In this one I discuss when I use targets in my training from cognitive enrichment to training movement.

If you want to learn how to train in this way then join me on my accredited professional trainer course in 2025 ⁠https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-trainer-foundation-certificate⁠

Drop me any questions [email protected]

The second (hop back and listen to the first if you haven't yet) in the clicker training targets mini series.

In this one I discuss planning and setting up the behaviour- essential for all training.

If you want to learn how to train in this way then join me on my accredited professional trainer course in 2025 https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-trainer-foundation-certificate

Drop me any questions [email protected]

My Understand Horses Trainer's course https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-trainer-foundation-certificate

My IAABC Foundation course https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/equine-discomfort-ethogram/

My IAABC Foundation Journal article on targets

https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/target-training-for-horses-hit-or-miss/

In this episode I talk to Chess about her journey with Gambit her young Exmoor pony. I met them when she needed help with his behaviour and the two have been a real joy to work with.

My new accredited trainer course is now live at Understand Horses

https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-trainer-foundation-certificate

Check out my IAABC Foundation course here https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/equine-cooperative-care/