Definitions and Resources
Definitions and Resources
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Here are brief descriptions of the different methods of training, and a couple of examples!
*For further information and examples check out the pages linked above*
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Tradition Training consists mainly of pressure and release, using pressure to make the horse obedient. If the desired behaviour is not displayed, then more equipment/pressure is applied, until the horse yields and does as commanded (Negative Reinforcement, Positive Punishment).
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This sound quite harsh, but this doesn't mean that anyone who rides and trains traditionally is abusing their horse!
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Example 1 : The rider applies slight pressure with their leg, the horse doesn't respond, so the rider applies more pressure until the horse moves forwards.
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Example 2 : The rider is applying pressure to the horse's mouth, via the bit, asking him to slow down, the horse doesn't listen, so the rider uses a stronger bit.
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Natural Horsemanship again consists of pressure and realise, but in a slightly different manner to Traditional Training does. Often in this natural horsemanship, trainers use bitless bridles, as apposed to bit, but the basic principles are the similar.
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The horse should move off of pressure and release, but unlike traditional training, natural horsemanship also looks at the body language and behaviour of the horse.
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Example 1 : A horse doesn't like a sign in the arena, the trainer applies pressure on the lead rope and head collar, until the horse steps towards it, the trainer then releases the pressure and praises the horse.
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Example 2 : A horse does not like being around people, the horse is put in a round pen, and pressure is applied by the trainer 'chasing' the horse until he submits and comes to the trainer.
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Liberty Training is force free and gives the horse his choice back!
In liberty there are no ropes, so the horse is free to join the session, or end it when he sees fit with no consequences. Liberty is still pressure and release based, schooling whips are often used in this training method as an extension of the trainers body language.
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Example 1 : The horse is presented with an object he finds scary, he has the option not to engage with the object, or to approach the object to investigate under his own steam, being praised along the way.
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Example 2 : A horse is being ridden at liberty, this means that the rider has no equipment other then maybe a schooling whip. The horse doesn't have to do as the rider asks, but does because of the bond they share and the knowledge that he will be praised and have a choice. This still uses pressure and release of the rider's leg and seat, as well as slight pressure on the neck with the whip to assist with steering.
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Positive Reinforcement Training
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Positive Reinforcement Training (+R) can be done at liberty, whilst haltered, or whilst ridden. In +R no pressure is used to push the horse into complying, he has the choice to be involved in the session, and will choose to because he wants to, knowing that nothing bad will happen to him, the worst that will happen is that we won't get a reward.
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Example 1 : The trainer asks the horse to touch his hip to the trainers hand, he does so out of choice, is 'clicked', and rewarded. The horse finds this experience as rewarding and positive, so is more likely to want to take part and learn.
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Example 2 : The trainer asks a horse to touch a target, the horse doesn't, the trainer does not punish the horse, just keeps the target held up for the horse until he decides to touch it, then he is 'clicked' and rewarded. On the other hand if he chooses not to touch the target, the trainer may end the session, or change the subject and come back to it later in the session.