3 Most Common Mistakes
Today, I’m covering the three most common mistakes I see people make when starting R+ training with their horses. I’ve worked with horse owners all over the country and these patterns show up time and again—so let’s dive in and learn how to avoid them!
Mistake #1: Skipping Foundation Behaviors
The most frequent mistake I see is not solidifying the foundational behaviors before moving on to advanced training. These core skills are the roots of your training—without them, the entire structure can collapse later on. Foundation behaviors like calm default, targeting, and stationing are essential because they:
Teach critical skills like duration and movement.
Establish clear communication.
Prepare the horse for more complex tasks.
If you’re unsure where to start, I have a free list of five foundational behaviors available on my website—these are the ones I use with nearly all my clients.
Another aspect of this mistake is not knowing what behaviors to train next. It can feel overwhelming to figure out what steps to take or how to build a logical training plan. If you’re feeling stuck, try:
Following professional trainers on social media for inspiration.
Joining positive reinforcement Facebook groups.
Exploring memberships and resources designed for ongoing support.
Mistake #2: Not Prioritizing Emotional Balance
Training isn’t just about behaviors—it’s about emotions too. One of the biggest gaps I see in training is failing to balance emotional control. Ideally, we want a horse that is:
Engaged but not frantic: Avoid creating a "cookie monster" who becomes overly fixated on treats.
Calm but not shut down: Ensure your horse isn’t emotionally disengaged or avoiding training.
Willing but not coerced: Positive reinforcement should inspire the horse’s willingness without pressure or coercion.
Strive for emotional balance by varying activities with your horse. Mix in grooming, hand grazing, walks, and enrichment alongside your formal training. This variety prevents training from becoming overwhelming and helps your horse stay mentally healthy.
Mistake #3: Not Seeking Support or Building a Community
The final mistake is trying to go it alone. Positive reinforcement is a skill that requires continuous learning and growth, and having the right support system can make all the difference.
How to build your support network:
Take Lessons: Personalized feedback accelerates your progress and clarifies confusing concepts.
Join a Membership: Communities like Shawna Karrasch’s membership and my own offer video reviews, live group lessons, and supportive forums.
Engage on Social Media: Flood your feeds with inspiring trainers and positive reinforcement content.
Professional guidance, whether through lessons, memberships, or free content like podcasts and YouTube, provides clarity and helps you stay motivated when challenges arise.
Final Thoughts
These three mistakes—skipping foundations, neglecting emotional balance, and not seeking support—are incredibly common but also very fixable. By focusing on solid foundation behaviors, staying mindful of your horse’s emotions, and surrounding yourself with a supportive learning community, you’ll create a more positive, successful training journey for you and your horse.
If you’re looking for more help with positive reinforcement training, I offer both virtual and in-person lessons, along with my membership program where you can get personalized feedback and ongoing support.
Happy Training!
