MY BLOG
How to use negative reinforcement in a positive way.
What is negative reinforcement and how can we do it positively? Most training methods use some form of negative reinforcement, and just because it has the word negative doesn't mean it is bad. Negative simply means taking something away in terms of when we're talking...
Starting Horses – Are you qualified for the job?
Starting horses can be daunting for some, so it's essential to ensure you are capable or have a qualified rider/trainer doing it for you or at the least guiding you. Horses react to different situations and methods of starting. The techniques you may be used to using...
It’s the Rider, not the Horse
Sometimes, it is easy to do, and we all do or have done it. You get so frustrated that the horse is just not getting what you are asking, so you blame the horse for not being talented enough, not paying attention, not understanding etc. In reality, it's the rider, not...
What does it mean when a horse is Overfaced?
What does it mean when a horse is overfaced? When a horse is overfaced, he can become reluctant to perform the work that is asked of him. You may notice that a horse being overly challenged starts to react to smaller tasks, like the simple act of walking on a loose...
3 Tips to Set you and your Horse up for Success
Training Mustang mishaps and mistakes, or any breed of horse for that matter, are bound to happen. There are many techniques to starting horses, but some of the older techniques or rushing every step may backfire. Typically, when horses come in for starting, they are...
You Can’t Train Pain
Often, when a horse reacts when you are training on them in the form of bucking, rearing, refusing to go forward, etc., our first reaction is to think the horse has a lousy attitude. But what if the response is associated with pain that has gone undetected? It is...
Healing Horses from the Inside Out
Can we heal horses from the inside out? The answer is yes! It is safe to say that every horse owner has encountered some mystery pain in their horse with no real reason or visible sign as to why they are in pain. There are many ways we can attempt to heal horses...
Sour Horses Where Once Great Horses
Sour horses were once great horses, and we as humans in most cases get in the way and cause those once great horses to become sour. There are many reasons horses become sour, pain, environment, overworked, etc. A lot of times, horses can act and seem happy with one...
Paddock Setup: Are we doing our horses a disservice?
Field setup and why it is crucial to keep our horses happy and healthy. Are you creating a space that makes your horse more herd-bound, lazy, or overweight? These issues can all impact the herd behaviour and each horse's physical fitness. These issues can be...
Buy The Horse, Not The X-rays
Are you buying the horse, or are you buying the x-rays? And are you potentially passing up the horse of your dreams? Noelle Floyd published a story about a horse named Asih, who competed in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Burghley to Badminton and many more....