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Common Questions
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement (+R) is a training method that commonly uses food rewards for 'good' behaviour, rather than punishment for 'bad' behaviour.
When training horses people commonly use what is known as negative reinforcement (-R). This is when the release of pressure is used, however pressure has to be put on to then be released. +R instead avoids using pressure at all, and instead focuses on rewarding horses.
What are consent based methods?
Consent is different in horse training, as they cannot give it verbally. Instead we focus on body language. When the horse gives us certain body signals indication their discomfort, we respect that and stop what we are asking the horse to do. From this we need to assess where the discomfort comes from and try to avoid it in future. This builds trust with our horse.
What does a behaviour consultant do?
A behaviour consultant works with you and your horse to figure out the cause of the behaviour problem and work to resolve it.
Traditionally a trainer will work to stop a behaviour using punishment, but this doesn't often acknowledge the cause of the problem. Studies demonstrate that many unwanted behaviours are directly related to pain, or reactions to previous punishment methods.