How to Start Training Your Horse with Positive Reinforcement
Hi, I’m Abigail, and I help everyday horse owners build a collaborative and joyful relationship with their horses using the science of positive reinforcement training (R+). Today, I’m sharing how to get started with R+ training and avoid common pitfalls, especially for beginners.
My Journey into Positive Reinforcement Training
My introduction to R+ training began long before I worked professionally with horses. As a kid, I naturally used food rewards to train my outdoor cats to perform tricks, even though I didn’t fully understand the science behind it. Later, during my animal science degree and professional work in zoos, positive reinforcement was standard practice. It was the only way to train safely and ethically with species like tigers and jaguars.
When I began applying R+ to my own horses, I noticed how much more effective and compassionate it was compared to traditional methods. My zoo mentors and formal training in behavior science gave me a solid foundation, but transitioning to horses came with its own learning curve.
Why Positive Reinforcement Training?
Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, creating a safe and empowering learning environment for the horse. Instead of using pressure or fear, R+ relies on the horse voluntarily offering behaviors for rewards, making training clearer and more ethical.
Steps to Get Started with Positive Reinforcement:
Learn the Basics of Operant Conditioning: Understanding the four quadrants of learning theory and how behavior works will set you up for success.
Join a Membership or Learning Community: Courses and memberships like the Shawna Karrasch Membership or Animal Training Academy (or mine!) offer structured guidance and support.
Flood Your Social Media with R+ Content: Surround yourself with positive reinforcement resources for inspiration and continued learning.
Focus on Foundation Behaviors: Start with calm, default behaviors and build from there. I offer a free list of foundational behaviors on my website to help you get started.
Use Treats Mindfully: Prioritize healthy forage-based reinforcers instead of sugary treats.
Final Thoughts
R+ training is a journey, not a destination. Stay curious, patient, and compassionate with yourself and your horse. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide, sign up for my email list for free resources and join my membership for personalized support.
Happy training!
