Bringing positive reinforcement (R+) training methods into the horse world, especially from the perspective of a seasoned dog trainer, offers a unique and deeply rewarding approach to building a strong, trusting relationship with equines. While R+ is a well-established cornerstone of modern dog training, its application to horses, though growing, still encounters different considerations due to the inherent nature of these animals. This approach prioritizes fostering calm, optimistic emotional states, aiming to cultivate horses that think before they react and genuinely enjoy their time with their human companions. This journey, which can even extend to starting a dedicated podcast on the training process, emphasizes patience and a deep understanding of equine behavior.
Key Differences and Similarities in Training
While the core principles of positive reinforcement—rewarding desired behaviors—remain constant, the practical execution of training horses versus dogs involves distinct adjustments. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective and safe training.
Pace and Repetition
Horses, being larger and more deliberate in their movements, necessitate a slower training pace compared to dogs. A horse might only complete one or two repetitions of a skill in the time a dog could achieve ten. For example, training a horse to target a footpad involves a more extended loop, from stepping on the target to moving to a reinforced bucket, eating the treat, and returning to position. This contrasts sharply with the rapid-fire repetitions possible with dogs, where treats can often be tossed on the ground. The slower pace with horses, however, allows trainers more thinking time between repetitions, enabling on-the-fly adjustments to the training plan.
Session Length and Mental Processing
Training sessions with horses are typically longer, with 15 minutes of continuous work not being uncommon. This extended duration, coupled with the slower pace, provides ample opportunity for the trainer to observe the horse’s responses and refine the training strategy. For instance, if a training target needs repositioning, the horse’s time spent consuming a reinforcer offers a window to make these adjustments. With dogs, adjustments often require more active management, such as scattering treats or engaging in other games to buy time for rethinking the approach. This extended processing time with horses can be highly beneficial for complex behaviors.
Positioning and Handler Readiness
The slower cadence of horse training also means trainers have more time to ensure they are correctly positioned for each iteration. While dog trainers often reinforce in ways that naturally set the dog up for the next repetition, horse trainers may find themselves physically repositioning while the horse is moving towards or consuming a reinforcer. This is particularly relevant when the trainer’s body is used as a lure, such as guiding the horse onto a foot target.
Environmental Distractions and Focus
Dogs are frequently trained in varied environments, from homes to public spaces, necessitating a strong focus on attention and recall amidst numerous distractions. Their regular integration into human environments means humans are often not the most novel stimuli. Horses, on the other hand, generally live in more controlled environments like paddocks or arenas. In these settings, the trainer is often the most interesting element, reducing the need to train for attention in the same way as with dogs. For horses, especially when training multiple animals, concepts like stationing and waiting for their turn become paramount, as the training itself is highly reinforcing.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a paramount concern in horse training, particularly regarding food delivery. While dogs might become “snatchy” or jump for treats when over-aroused, similar behavior in horses can be dangerous. Teaching horses to access reinforcement away from the handler’s hands and body, perhaps in a bucket, is crucial. Protected contact, where the trainer operates behind a barrier, is a valuable tool for novice horse trainers and horses alike. This method allows the horse to learn cue-response-reinforcement mechanics without the risk of pushing into the handler, a practice commonly employed with dogs exhibiting serious aggression issues or with young children learning to interact with dogs.
The Role of Consent in Horse Training
The concept of “choice” or “consent” in horse training often differs from its application in dog training. Traditional methods might involve applying pressure until the horse complies, which is then termed “choice.” However, a more progressive understanding, influenced by positive reinforcement principles, involves allowing the horse to freely opt-out of a training session. Some trainers advocate for using a treat ball, where the horse only engages in training if they choose to leave the treat ball, a generous interpretation of consent. While the idea of allowing animals to opt out is still evolving in dog training, its adoption in the horse world holds significant promise for fostering more consensual relationships.
Foundational Training Techniques
Stationing
Stationing, the act of teaching a horse to stand in a designated spot, is highly recommended as a foundational skill. It reinforces the concept that rewards are received away from the handler, encourages a calm default behavior, and serves as a “start button” for consent in training sessions. Stationing can also be used to maintain momentum during more complex tasks, by reinforcing the easy stationing behavior between harder ones. For example, Kerri-Lynne successfully used stationing to help a challenging horse accept eye drops.
Targeting
Nose targeting is often introduced early in horse clicker training. It’s an accessible behavior for many, leading to a high rate of reinforcement for both horse and handler. However, without a clear purpose and proper stimulus control, horses may offer targeting indiscriminately, causing frustration. When introducing targeting, it’s essential to contextualize it, such as targeting a halter. This can help create a positive conditioned emotional response to the halter, alleviating anxiety and making the horse more receptive to being caught and handled.
Conclusion: Towards a Kinder Equine Relationship
While trick training can be a fun application of positive reinforcement, for those new to R+ horse training, focusing on foundational husbandry skills is more impactful. The goal is to demonstrate that R+ is simple, effective, and capable of addressing common challenges without causing frustration or behavioral problems. By prioritizing basic husbandry skills, R+ training can become a go-to “tool” for horse owners facing behavioral issues. For a yearling like Zephyr, the focus will be on essential skills such as catching, haltering, stationing, grooming, tacking up, moving away from pressure, and confidently navigating environmental novelties like bridges and puddles. As more individuals embrace these kinder, more consensual training methods, the relationship between humans and their equine partners can flourish. Christina, the author, specializes in humane and effective training for dogs, particularly those with aggression and reactivity, and applies her expertise to promote positive training principles.
