🐴 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...

🌟 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/groups/1742650405954835 after you've given it a listen!  (If you’re not a member of this free group, just request and we’ll be glad to add you....

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

- Strengthen your connection with your horse

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 ways and Sharon was at h...

SHORT SWEET FREQUENT SESSIONS ARE BEST FOR SUCCESS! 

 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: 

1. The analytical logical side that loves to go after a goal with determination and drive
2. 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, one that is simply part of being a human having an equestri...

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 experience when facing this situation.

Interested in one-on-one guidance? Check o...

“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:

                 "This is a common scenario and excellent question. You are smart t...

Whether you are riding out (dream of being able to casual chat with friends or hitting the trail for some alone time with your horse), loading (for weekends away, clinics, shows or vet trips), going to the wash stall (other side of the barn or farm) or leaving the herd in any capacity…

Understand what Separation Anxiety means for your horse and what you can do about it?

Imagine an idyllic scenario…

Your horse readily chooses to be with you no matter what the circumstance. 

They could care less about their friends in the field and you’re heading for a trail, the trailer, riding bridle-less, bareback, at liberty: lunging, free jumping, the other side of the barn/property or leading across grass.

Your horse is all in, willing, engaged and a joy to be around no matter the circumstance or distance from its friends. 

Easy peasy right?

Of course, this can be you, only if separation anxiety isn’t an issue for your horse. (And congratulations, BTW, if that's the case!! If so, you still m...

Exponentially increase the results you experience in your relationship with your horse, training and what you learn when you’re together.  CHC PRIVATE GROUP insider secret REVEALED HERE for the first time outside of the paid community...

Our members find they get twice the value of their course exercises, coaching sessions and at home training and relationship building sessions too, when they be still and reflect to DO this exercise.

It was originally created for online coaching and online course lesson participants, but now we encourage all of our members to use this template to enhance the value of their training and relationship with their horses in every situation. Please let us know if you find this helpful! Meanwhile, use it to jump to the next level in your learning ...

Transform your CHC and positive reinforcement horse training experiences, relationship building and/or clicker training experiences by reflecting and WRITING (shown to improve learning, retention and AHA moments!...