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What is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement (R+) is adding something the horse likes (in this case, food) to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again. A marker (usually a sound such as a “click” from the clicker) tells the horse exactly what they did that will earn the food. Because food is reinforcing (appealing) to a horse, they will try that behavior again in order to get the food.
Positive reinforcement is a precision tool for communication. R+ is taught as a sensory or visual cue, no escalating pressure is used.Behavior is shaped using the smallest steps necessary, making learning easy and thorough while managing fear and frustration thresholds. It improves your ability to recognize good moments.
The tools of positive reinforcement training, such as targeting, can be used to teach tactile cues without escalating pressure, making it look like traditional pressure/release cues, but the learning process is more thorough and enjoyable for the horse. This can work even in the show ring, where bits are still often required.
science-based
“Science” doesn’t amputate the “heart” of equitation. It shows us the subtle, elegant, and beautiful mechanisms that make up its structure so it’s accessible to everyone. Principles from movement science, learning theory, behavioral science, physics, kinesiology, biomechanics, biology, neuroscience, and psychology inform every detail.
Experiential
Knowledge of theory does not give you presence of mind. It's in the creatively applied sciences that the mind-body connection is undeniable. Allowing movement to flow organically from intention creates joy and ease within the mover.
Equitation
When a horse feels whole within themselves, they show up with grace and power in the world. The human plays a supporting role in the horse's process of becoming whole.
I try not to take myself seriously
I'm a failed traditional horsewoman. I understand traditional skills and methodologies, and how and why they work, but after thirty years working with horses I did not have the kind of success I have now with positive reinforcement training.
I love synthesizing information from wildly different sources, and sharing my particular mashup with horses and people. I've done a little bit of a lot of things - trail riding, jumping, western pleasure, starting young horses under saddle - but my real interest is dressage, and especially "dressage in the wild," out on the trail or with obstacles. My current flavor is mounted weaponry, not because I like fighting, but because the physics involved in handling a weapon on horseback necessitates a much deeper and finer level of equitation and skill, and I find it utterly fascinating.
I consider myself to be an advocate for the horse/human entity, rehabilitating horses and riders together as a unit. Hopefully with giggling.
Having studied behavioral science for the past few years, I also find it a fascinating and necessary part of horse (and people!) training. I'm currently working toward a Certified Horse Behavior Consultant designation with the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants).
I have had Fibromyalgia for nearly 40 years. This has given me deep insight into how chronic pain and fatigue affects all aspects of life, for people and animals. It's because of this that I've been drawn to study neuroscience, behavior, biomechanics, and so forth. My life experiences with neurodivergence (because I have a weird brain) and chronic illness have given me some really strong opinions on the one-size-fits-all approach in American culture, and in the equestrian industry in general, particularly with respect to learning. I strive to take the individual taken into account - as Susan Friedman says, we’re all a “study of one.”
I also enjoy synesthesia - the ability to experience one sensory input through another. So, for me, numbers, letters, words, sounds, etc. all have colors, textures, temperatures, a kinesthetic feel, and so on. I absolutely adore this aspect of having a weird brain!
I’ve been a photographer for twenty years (see ShortHorse Studios). More than anything, that has helped hone my timing and ability to see details in behavior and movement.