Discover the Joy and Safety of a Horse That Stands, Stays, and Waits Patiently!
Having a horse that understands the "Stay and Wait" behavior can make a world of difference.
In this edition, we're excited to spotlight Jenn Foust, one of the winners of Compassionate Horse Click's recent Teaching Challenge. Jenn has generously shared the process of training this behavior including the steps, insights, and experiences from our CHC positive reinforcement horse training course and online coaching with Melissa.
Unlocking the Stay and Wait Behavior
Discover the practical strategies and heartfelt motivations behind teaching your horse the invaluable "Stay and Wait" behavior. Jenn's video provides a comprehensive guide, covering the what, why, and how of training this essential skill using compassionate methods.
Join Our Community Conversation
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations for incorporating the Stay and Wait behavior into your daily interactions with your equine partner. ? What will you be able to do while your horse...
Game-Changing Insights for You and Your Horse! from a CHC Student
We're thrilled to share with you an unedited excerpt from one of our CHC Online Coaching sessions, who has uncovered a game-changing insight that's transforming the way she interacts with her horses and creating happier equine companions.
Watch the video for Training Tips and nuggets of insight!
Nuggets:
- Focus on observing and reading your horse’s countenance,
- Improving feeding techniques: timing and presentation
- How she presents the reinforcers - not always by hand
- Importance of dialing in volume and value - specific to your horse
- Understanding how to affect your horse’s emotions using +R
Here's what she had to say:
"I've been a part of the CHC Online Coaching program for a few months now, and I can honestly say it's been a revelation for me and my horses. One of the biggest game-changers I've learned is the importance of understanding my horse's perspective and honoring their individual needs and preferences.
Before, I used to approach...
Stop Grass Grabbing - An Unusual Solution for Your Horse's Challenge - prep for Spring!
Are you struggling with a horse who can't resist the lure of lush green grass, making walks or training sessions a constant battle of wills? You're not alone. (Now is the time to prep for Spring Green Grass.) Grass grabbing is a common behavior among horses, deeply ingrained in their natural instincts.
But fear not, fellow equestrians, because I'm here to share with you an unusual yet effective solution that can help transition your grass-grabbing equine companion into a willing partner who walks with you over the tastiest morsels.
Now, before we dive in, let me address the elephant in the room. Some may question the validity or fairness of this method, and that's understandable. As advocates of positive reinforcement and clicker training, we prioritize solutions that don't rely on force, punishment, or fear. And while this technique may seem unconventional, it aligns with our principles of fostering understanding and comfort in our horses.
So, what exactly is this unusual...
Check out what the buzz is about ...+R for Mounted Games!
Discover the truth about +R training, debunk common myths, and unravel the secrets to creating effective training plans. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting your journey, there's something special in this talk for many our members!
Join us in busting myths around Positive Reinforcement, exploring training plans, and diving into the playful realm of mounted pony games! The welfare guidelines of Mounted Pony Games are a breath of fresh air in the world of competitive riding. The podcast explores how we can use +R in helping horses and humans as we face and overcome challenges. If you aren’t familiar with Mounted Pony Games or are interested in incorporating fun stuff under saddle, you’ll want to hear this podcast.
Listen to the Podcast https://bit.ly/3NS8ZSN
Share your thoughts here https://www.facebook.com/
Create Connection with Obstacles: Using +R to Gain Confidence and have Fun!
Obstacles aren't just for DE spooking…
Under Saddle or In Hand - Obstacle training done well can build connection, confidence and resilience!
The techniques I guide you through during +R Obstacle related clinics, online lessons/coaching and courses are sure to foster your horse’s curiosity and produce results that you’ll both enjoy for a long time to come.
Research proves that horses with greater resilience tend to be happier, less apt to be triggered and spook. And they have less intense responses than non-resilient horses. Whether you are a clicker trainer or conventional horse person, there will be lots for you and your horse to learn and enjoy, and you’ll have the benefit of expert guidance to ensure the best possible experience.
If you engage in these activities with me you will:
- Get instant feedback by having a measurable objective for you and your horse
- Hone communication and understanding between yourself and your horse
-...
Draft Cross goes from SCARY to SWEET… Positive Reinforcement/Clicker Training Horses Wins Again
Every year we award a prize to the person who has been in our +R community/working with me, Melissa Deal, reinforcing their horses, themselves, and the greater equestrian community. This year one of our longest standing participants is receiving the award as she hits her 6-year anniversary of working with me in +R Horse Training and being an ambassador for +R. I am soooooo excited to announce, the prize of Lifetime Compassionate Horse Click (CHC) Online Community Membership goes to… Sharon Worona, a CHC Level 1 Mastery Graduate.
How’d she take her beloved horse Hershey from Scary to Sweet with online +R coaching, course and community? Sharon did the smartest thing anyone can do in a similar situation, she got kind, compassionate, effective training for herself and her horse! The stress she felt was coming through loud and clear in her very first correspondence with me. Hershey was snaking his head, threatening to bite and kick, moving into her space in unsafe...
Connection through Consistency, 4 wk Equine Challenge to Create Positive Change
SHORT SWEET FREQUENT SESSIONS ARE BEST FOR SUCCESS!
Your invited to our Connection through Consistency 4 week equine Challenge. Experience positive +R for you and your horse.
Created to help
- inspire and
- motivate you
- get you doing what you crave with your horse
- you experience the positive changes that can come from accountability, community and coaching!
Learn why consistency is important to horses on many different levels...
Choosing and Fulfilling Equestrian Goals with Heartfelt Connection and Intention
When it comes to our horses, goals can be motivating and helpful... or not - if we pursue them without an awareness of what is really happening from our horse’s perspective. I’ve been known in the past to vacillate from one end of the goal spectrum to the other. How about you?
2 Kinds of Thinking
Today’s discussion is going to address how we can use the 2 parts of our minds to stay connected to our horses and our hearts when it comes to making progress using goals and intentions.
From my perspective, we each have 2 parts of our thinking:
- The analytical logical side that loves to go after a goal with determination and drive
- And the intuitive, creative part that craves connection and nurtures relationship
(HINT: we can use our intentions from number 2 to choose and fulfill number 1)
BALANCE IS THE KEY to Heartfelt Intention and Connection.
It’s an opportunity – to learn how to balance these 2 parts of our minds,...
Frustrated to Fulfilled...with your horse's progress. Gifts of gratitude and grace.
Have you ever felt impatient with the progress your horse is making or rather the lack of it? I mean who hasn’t felt this way at one point or another?
Despite our very best efforts to do all the things right in our relationship with our horses and to stay positive and be grateful for what is going well, we sometimes find ourselves mourning our never-ending attempts to do things with our horses that seem like they “should” be simple.
Even though we love and appreciate every minute we spend with our horses, it can be easy to fall in the trap of “why can’t we…” and end up in a puddle of disappointment questioning our own abilities and our horse’s potential. If you feel this way at times, it doesn’t mean that you or your horse are broken. I PROMISE. This is NORMAL. (We know it’s not a fun place to be and empathize with you, you’re not alone.)
Fortunately, there is a way we can choose to have a different...
Train the Grass Grabber- Teach your horse to Graze (or not!) on Cue
“How can I make it so that being with me is more reinforcing than snatching grass while leading or riding and how do I prevent my horse from passing me and attempting to drag me towards the grass?” This question was submitted recently a CHC member. See Melissa’s response below taken from the CHC members only forum, and check out the video to learn more about how to do this with your horse.
But first, about the video.... You can use the same technique in the video with your horse.
Horses can be quick to drag us along with them when lucious grass is nearby. This savvy CHC member and online coaching participant uses the grass as a reinforcer to keep her sensitive mare comfy in challenging contexts and has overcome the huge hurdle of being able to keep the mare's attention when walking by grass and also asking her to leave it. No small feat for this grass grabbing girl!
Melissa's response to the ? above:
...
