Feeling like conventional folks are watching you with a condescending eye? Avoiding going to the barn at busy times? Wishing you could just do your thing with your horse and not worry about what anyone else was thinking or going to come and say to you about reinforcing your horse with food? 

You’re not alone, but by polling R+ equestrians we’ve compiled a list of helpful responses, see the link at the bottom of the page and check out the comments) that can help these situations go and feel a whole lot better! (and if you contributed, many thanks to you too!) 

To begin, in these situations, no matter how uncomfortable we feel, research shows arguing doesn’t pay. 

No need to argue with conventional horse people about +R. It only causes them to become more entrenched against it. (+R is for humans too ) Instead, we are more likely to make an impact if we:

SHOW them what is possible with +R!

SHOW them happy well adjusted +R horses!

SHOW them +R horses that are mannerly aroun...

So often, we get wrapped up in all we think we "should" do for them as a "good" horse owner, we end up overwhelmed with doing things "for and to our horses ". instead of BEING WITH them. It can be emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting for us and it's important to remember that they don't benefit when we have this energy either.🐴

Silence, time and space with our horses. It’s a rare moment in today’s world when our mind can just be still and we can be present when we are with them. No agenda. Just being lost in their world for a moment❤️

Soaking in the sound of horses munching, the warmth of their breathe on our skin, noticing the rise and fall of their rib cage, the expansion and contraction of their nostrils, the swish of the tail at a fly, the caress of a muzzle, the subtle shifts as them move – these are the things I notice, when I am choosing to be fully with them.

Of course, we don’t always have to choose. Sometimes we’re fortunate enough that these experiences just h...

Give your horses the time they deserve in a serene setting with a small group of like-minded +R equestrians.

Beginners to advanced are welcome in this relaxed atmosphere as each coaching session will be customized to the horse/person and the topic or behavior they are currently interested in. Delve into multiple activities in-hand, under tack or in anywhere between. Or focus on just one area. Either way you'll have an experienced and certified instructor / trainer who's helped horses and their humans connect successfully with +R for well over a decade now. Plus, learn from watching others in a friendly environment and join the banter in group discussions, watch dynamic demos and more.

Not into hand feeding? No worries, it's not required. We have multiple options available to ensure your horse feels reinforced and has a positive experience.

Live clinics are great getaways. Go from Frustrated to Fascinated or just have a weekend retreat with your horse where there's nothing to focus on but ...

“It’s a horse eating monster!” our giant size chestnut Trakehner had to be thinking (or something similar) by the looks of it. He’s snorting and blowing loudly at the sight of a side-by-side topped by a very large blow-up pool. The pool was strapped on the roof and the whole menagerie was heading across his paddock, with his blue heeler friend riding shotgun. 

Meanwhile, a 13.1 hand Chincoteague pony gelding is having an entirely different reaction as he peeks out of a nearby run-in shed, ears pricked, looking very curious. (More on this story in a second.)

Happy Horses are more resilient, less likely to spook or overreact, more tolerant of human mistakes and when they do encounter trauma, tend to recover faster. How do we create horse happiness?

- Play,

- Physical comfort (including staying cool in summer heat),

 - Feelings of safety and care,

 - Friends,

 - Good nutrition,

 - Choice and autonomy when it comes to husbandry and healthcare procedures and

 - The ability to enga...

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 hor...

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 training wit...

🐴 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 soluti...