The Power of Positive Training By Marj Piazza The average horse you train wants to please. You can encourage this desire by showing appreciation when the horse correctly does what he has been asked.
It is a good idea to choose a particular way to show your pleasure, then use that method consistently. Perhaps you could a pat on the neck or if you are a verbal person, you might want to try, "Well done", or, "Good boy/girl." Using praise indicates to the animal that he is moving in the right direction in his training. The horse must feel he is being successful if he is to continue to try to please. Why Praise? Often, when training, the rider is too inclined to punish for failure rather than praise for success. The horse tries to please then anticipates some type of punishment - a jab with the spurs, a slap with the crop or a yank on the bit. As he waits, he often gets nervous or uptight, which prevents him from concentrating on what he was being asked to do next. Not only does he lose concentration, but his muscles may contract, preventing him from smoothly carrying out the next movement. By immediately praising your horse when he succeeds, he relaxes and is prepared to carry on, anxious to receive further positive feedback. Instant, positive feedback helps the horse understand he has been successful. Praise Makes Perfect As a rider, it is sometimes difficult to remember to praise, but it is of utmost importance. If the horse has successfully managed a movement we are teaching, we are often so concerned on quick repetition to ensure the horse retains what he has just learned, we often forget to praise for the first successful accomplishment. But try to remember that praise will almost always generate another successful response. If you forget the positive reinforcement, the horse is often at a loss. With no response from you, what should the horse do? Should he try again? Should he do something different or should he just give up? Without some type of reaction from the rider, he is left in the dark. Praise him even for small improvements and he will try to accomplish again what he was praised for previously. But what do you do about failure to execute a training request? First and foremost, always be very sure you are asking for only what the particular horse is able to do at his level of development and training. Do not frustrate the horse and yourself by asking too much, too soon - particularly if the horse is young. Usually, the most difficult time to remember to praise is when you are embarking on a new area of endeavour. You may have just started your horse jumping, eventing or some other area of training and feel a little unsure yourself. If you and your horse have a good relationship, he will likely forgive your mistakes and keep trying to do well. In turn, you must be prepared to allow him some mistakes and praise him when he tries to do as he is asked. Negative Feedback You have chosen your praising method, which you use constantly. Now it is just as important to choose what method you will use to show dissatisfaction. This cue should be verbal, never physical, while training. The only time physical punishment should be used is when a horse does something dangerous like biting or kicking. A sharp "no" or a "growl" lets the horse know that he has not done as asked, but the reprimand causes no physical pain. Pain causes the horse to focus on escaping the pain rather than paying attention to whatever skill you are trying to teach. Suppose you are asking for a canter on the left lead, but the horse takes his right. Growl or use whatever signal you chose to show displeasure. Then quietly bring the horse back to the walk, settle him and try again. If after several attempts, he has not grasped what you are asking of him, it is best to forgo the exercise for the time being. He is either physically unbalanced or he does not understand your cues. Go back to a skill he does well, even if it is only stopping squarely at the halt. Give him praise and allow yourself and the horse time to relax. When the tension is gone and you are once again both communicating, try again. Use the same method for all new advances in training. Always leave a session on a positive note. At the end of the day's workout, practice a movement the horse can easily accomplish, so that you end the ride with praise. Pain = No Gain Don't make the damaging mistake of using the reins as a tool for punishment. The bit should only be used to send signals to the horse. If you punish a horse's mouth, he begins to anticipate pain, rather than paying attention to rein communication. Often the horse will develop evasive habits while trying to escape the pain. Some horses throw their heads, others over-bend or try other means to evade the bit. Punishing a horse's mouth is not only cruel, but can add endless hours to your training. If he is continually in fear of pain, he will not concentrate and won't try to please in other areas of his training. Never try to teach a new movement if you are angry or upset. In fact, under these circumstances, it is best not to ride at all. Even if you do not actually take your anger or frustration out on your mount, he can still feel your tension and that may confuse and frighten him. Being positive in your training makes you a happier rider, your horse a more winning performer and training sessions productive. Not only will your horse learn more quickly, but he will be a more cooperative and safer mount when fully trained. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
