Our articles
What is positive reinforcement and clicker training?
One way both humans and non-humans animals learn is through consequences. In science, this type of learning is called operant conditioning (or also known as instrumental learning). Keep reading >>>
What reward should I use with my horse?
I often get asked by new trainers “what rewards do you use with your horses?” while the question they should really ask is “what rewards should I use with MY horse?” Keep reading >>>
What is aversive training?
Not familiar with aversive training? Think again as you have heard of it but under a totally different name. First we must define two terms, aversive and operant conditioning. Keep reading >>>
"But horses don't give each other treats!"
One of the arguments I often hear against the use of positive reinforcement in horse training is that it is unnatural “Horses don’t give each other treats!”.
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Mistakes commonly done by beginners and how to avoid them?
We all make mistakes, especially when we get started doing something new. Keep reading >>>
When can I stop using food to train my horse?
One of the first questions many new students ask me is “When can I stop using food?” Keep reading >>>
How do I help my horse overcome his fear, anxiety or phobia?
In the horse world, fears, anxieties, and phobias are rarely taken seriously. Often a behaviour that is motivated by fear is attributed to bad character...
Why "kick him on!" is not an appropriate way to deal with a fearful horse.
In the mainstream equestrian world the focus is placed on the horse behavioural response to events/stimulus. Keep reading >>>
Good welfare is more than a shiny coat.
“These horses have a better life than most humans! They have private grooms, the best tacks, the best bedding and the best feed. Stop attacking good owners!.” Keep reading >>>
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Why bit-less is potentially safer for horse riders.
Before getting started I want to make clear that when I speak about bit-less bridles in this article, I am referring to comfortable, properly fitted bridles such as padded side-pulls. Keep reading >>>
Safety should not have to be earned.
All horses should have the right to feel safe during training. Keep reading >>>
Why you should not use whips with horses.
I once been told by someone that wanted to justify his use of the whip, that a whip was like a gun; on their own they are harmless, and it all have to do with how you use them. Keep reading >>>
Are you using positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement with a cookie on top?
Some trainers may, in an attempt at using positive reinforcement, add a click and a treat to their existing training approach. Keep reading >>>
What is LIMA and its application to horses?
LIMA which stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive, has become a popular term in the animal training world following Friedman, 2009’s paper.
Horse owners’ utilisation of positive reinforcement and its perceived effects on horse’s behaviour.
This study aimed to gather further information on the use of PR by equestrians, its impact on horses’ behaviour and how it may differ when used in conjunction with NR. Keep reading >>>