"My secret to happy horses under saddle?"  It’s all about providing the right value and volume of reinforcement! For new riders, inexperienced or green or horses, or horse who are over aroused or starting their positive reinforcement journey, the right reinforcer, such as hay or another high volume low value one can be a game-changer!

Yes, you read that right: Hay can be fed from the tack! My students and I use it all the time with young horses or those new to clicker training. It’s not forever, just until they learn to be at ease receiving food under saddle.

Remember: Always get permission before using hay under-saddle, especially in arenas or yards. With a little practice, it's easy to minimize any mess.

Here's how it works...

The little gray horse listens for his favorite word or click, then if he doesn't receive another cue to carry on or do something different, he settles into a soft default position and waits for the cue that the food is coming. This brings a ton of comfort...