11/06/2026
I've realised I approach pony training, like I approached therapy & human coaching..
❤️Unconditional Positive Regard!
❤️Rooted in Accountability, Responsibility, Collaboration and Compassionate, Clear Communication.
Positive reinforcement is ever present, and its not just treats/food. It's scratches, its vocal praise, its touch and presence. It's celebrating and acknowledging when they find the right answer in Pressure/Release work.
Horses want to feel safe, calm and understood, the more predictable we are the better.
I've recently headcollar trained Bodhi using Positive reinforcement clicker style approach. He responded well as he's a blank slate and has very positive experiences of human contact.
Frodo however needs something different as I'm having to undo the history of negative experiences and stress, this is much more challenging and takes a long time. Horses remember everything!
So I'm using a mixture of positive reinforcement and pressure/release with Frodo.
Even pressure/Release has elements of positive reinforcement if the timing is accurate and the right answer praised and encouraged.
I'm having to prove to Frodo that humans can be predictable, consistent, safe and trustworthy. Not just in training sessions but in everything I do with him and the herd. One day things will tip in my favour, I just need to keeping adding to those positive associations and memories so the unpleasant ones will finally start to subside.
If you'd like to see some of my sessions with Frodo I've posted videos on YouTube.
