> > These observations, presented in Skinner's autobiography, > well characterize the attitudes of > horse handlers today: Few types of behavior > are controlled by positive > reinforcement. >
Hi Judy, Unfortunaely, things haven't changed in much of the horse world in the last 25 years, though there is certainly a small band of pioneers trying to make a difference! One thing Linda Kohanov talked about at her workshop was changing the paradigm in the horse world from a dominant/submissive model to one based on partnership and mutual cooperation. Most of the horse world, including most of the NH world uses the dominant/submissive model. Not surprisingly, most of our human relationships do, too, including parent/child, boss/employee and to a lesser extent, thanks to the feminist movement, husband/wife. So, it's not surprising that it's difficult to change!!! We, clicker trainers, are doing our best to change our small corner of the world and the horses tells us unequivocally that it is the kindest, gentlest path to follow. Thanks for all the good work you do on this never ending journey! Mary Sand Lake, NY
