How to create Happiness for your Horse - Pony Party Time!
“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...
Horses Don’t Do Always - But with +R we increase their number of Yes's!
Ever wondered why our majestic companions sometimes surprise us with unexpected reactions? It's not because they're trying to be difficult; it's simply their nature to do what they believe serves them best in the moment.
Picture this: a decision-making process ingrained by centuries of survival instincts, where running for their lives was the norm. But, here's the catch - that doesn't always align with what's best for them or us humans.
When your horse throws a curveball, remember: HORSES DON'T DO ALWAYS. And let's face it, as humans, we're not always predictable either.
The magic lies in understanding that we're inviting our equine friends to navigate a world they aren't naturally designed to comprehend. But fear not, because when we know how, we can live with our horses kindly and compassionately, transforming the way we connect with them. With +R or clicker training and positive reinforcement we can make their behavior and our experiences much more fun and predictable! (think...DIY Treat Bucket for +R Horse Enthusiasts!
#3 modular oval (not super oval) Tupperware container. (7 1/2 cups)
- Cheapest found on eBay for $10-15 and usually comes with a lid.
- Here it is on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gT4ZhC
- Used Jigsaw to make slits for belt found and liked on amazon. 
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She picked this belt because it was cheap and super sturdy
Sapraisee Tactical Belts Men Nylon Belt outdoors Quick Release Belt for Men Extended Size 50'' https://a.co/d/09O4bN4v
My Journey from Conventional to +R Horse Training/Clicker Training Horses - a Confession!
My husband, a horseman and ever the voice of wisdom, reminded me I didn’t learn how to train horses conventionally over night, and that I had been feeling on top of the world with results I experienced using +R training the day before. Humans, how quickly we forget the good stuff.
That was years ago...
Fast forward to now, I’m just blown away by the messages I receive from clients thanking me for changing their ...
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 hor...
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 training wit...
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 soluti...
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
- Strengthen your connection with 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 ways and Sharon was at h...
