Which type of training is best for your horse? There is an abundance of choice and information available. Should you apply the training scale, follow classical training or the traditional methods of your discipline, or use natural horsemanship? All of these methods claim to have the horse’s best interest at heart, be natural, ethical and speak the horses’ language.

While most horse riders, trainers and coaches accept current research and science-based information about equine physiology, nutrition, supplements and general care, they have not been as quick to do the same with training. Current research into how horses learn and how their minds work show that horses trained using positive reinforcement (well-timed food rewards) compared to horses trained without rewards:

  • learned tasks faster
  • remembered them for longer
  • generally had more positive associations with humans

When you understand the basics of how horses learn and apply modern training techniques you will be able to:

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