Have you ever heard horse owners say that different horses require different types of training?

They usually mean different ways of employing R- and P+ which have been packaged and sold to them by ‘professional’ trainers.

Because the truth is, R+ does work on every horse. If it’s not working, it’s probably not R+.

Bear with me here, but for it to be positive reinforcement, the reinforcer has to be positive to the learner.

There are two ways to look at ‘every horse is an individual’.

In one instance, it’s a reason or excuse to employ more and more punishment based methods because earlier and kinder interventions ‘didn’t work’.

On the other hand, you must consider that the act of feeding a horse is simply NOT positive reinforcement in every case.

Positive Reinforcement is more than ‘+1 cookie’.

It’s reinforcing a behaviour with a POSITIVE stimulus. Here is where it really is a case of individuality. The reinforcer has to be positive for the particular learner. A pat won’t always be taken positively. Food won’t always be taken positively. You need to look at your animal, your learner, your situation, and make the changes necessary in the environment or in your actions to make sure that your treat, IS a treat.

The same way not every person you meet is a hugger, not every horse is either.

Carrots might work for some, but others would prefer a handful of pony pellets.

In some instances, the horse may need interventions before intentional positive reinforcement training can even occur.

All horses should have their five domains looked after before training commences.

Only then can you have a horse ready for any training.

And when you do start training, start with R+. If you do it properly, it works.

Written By Madi Holmes of the PPGA Equine Sub-Committee