POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT COACHING

Empowering horses through communication and choice

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Empowering horses through communication and choice

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Empowering horses through communication and choice * Empowering horses through communication and choice *

What is Positive Reinforcement? 

Positive reinforcement (R+), refers to a favourable outcome or reward that is given after a desired behaviour is performed. When used correctly, positive reinforcement strengthens the behaviour by adding something the learner finds rewarding—encouraging the behaviour to happen again. It is an ethical, force free and evidenced supported way of training animals, including horses.

  • Clicker training is a practical application of the R+ principle. It involves using a distinct sound—typically a click—to mark a desired behaviour. This marked behaviour is then reinforced with a reward, usually food.

    It’s important to understand that the food is the reward, but the click is what signals to the horse that they did the desired behaviour. The click serves as a bridge between the action and the reward, providing clear communication and timing.

    Successful clicker training relies on accurate timing and a solid understanding of your horse’s body language.

  • Research consistently shows that animals (including horses) are more likely to repeat behaviours that lead to positive outcomes. Since most horses are highly food-motivated, they quickly learn to associate a desired behaviour being performed with the sound of a click, and the sound of a click with the delivery of food.

    Clicker training creates a clear and consistent communication channel:
    - The horse performs an action
    - You mark it with a click
    -  A reward follows

    This process helps the horse understand exactly which behaviour earned the reward.

  • Ethical and Effective: R+ training avoids harsh corrections or aversive methods (undesirable to the horse). It’s built on communication and trust, not fear or force.

    Fun and Engaging: Horses enjoy the process, making training sessions enjoyable and enriching.

    Stronger Bonds: Positive reinforcement strengthens the relationship between horse and human, founded in clear two way communication, choice and trust.

    Reliable Results: Behaviours learned through R+ are often more consistent, as they are performed willingly and with understanding of what is asked of them and what they will receive in return.

What We Offer

Looking for an ethical, evidence-based way to work with your horse?

Are you searching for a training method that feels good—for both you and your horse? Do you want your horse to have a voice and real choice in your work together?

You're in the right place.

We focus on cooperative care and building foundation behaviours—skills from which anything can be taught. Whether your goals include riding with R+, creating a partnership based on trust and communication, improving cooperative care behaviours, or simply having more fun with your horse, positive reinforcement training can take you there.

  • The first few sessions may be a little messy—and that’s perfectly okay.

    Every horse is an individual. In the beginning, your horse will be getting to know me, and I’ll be learning about them—and about you. Different horses respond to different cues, reinforcers, and setups, so we may need to experiment to find what works best for your unique partnership.

    We’ll begin by discussing your long-term goals and creating a tailored training plan. We’ll break big goals into small, teachable steps, building strong behaviours that lead to reliable results—always with your horse as a willing and engaged participant in the learning process.

    Each session includes:

    - A check-in to discuss progress since our last session

    - Time to answer questions and troubleshoot challenges

    - A review of previous behaviours

    - Progression to the next step (when you and your horse are ready)

    - A personalised plan for you to work on between sessions

    Our goal is to empower you to confidently train your horses using positive reinforcement, with a clear plan and the support you need to succeed.

  • For the first session, I’ll bring all the essential equipment. During this time, we’ll discuss what additional tools or gear may benefit your specific training goals. I offer basic equipment for purchase and can recommend trusted suppliers for more specialised items.

    What I Need From You:

    - A small amount of your horse’s usual hay.
    (Low-sugar meadow hay is ideal. If your horse is on cereal hay, we can work with that. Please avoid lucerne for training purposes.)

    - A safe, comfortable training space, ideally: In their paddock or yard. A fenced line or area (preferably not electric). With space for hay and feed. Where the horse can be loose.

    - If your horse lives with other horses, please let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

    Feeding Before Sessions

    To set your horse up for success, please ensure they’ve eaten recently. If our session is close to a regular mealtime, feed them beforehand to avoid anticipation. If it’s not near feeding time, give your horse access to hay or pasture for 10–15 minutes before we arrive. This helps prevent frustration or food-related anxiety during training.

    If your horse shows food aggression, frustration, or resource guarding, please let us know in advance. These behaviours can often be greatly improved with appropriate use of food rewards.

  • Our goal is simple: to set you and your horse up for success.

    That might mean progress feels slow at times—but that’s not a bad thing. Both you and your horse are learning something new, and building a strong foundation is key. When the basics are solid, everything that comes after becomes easier, clearer, and more rewarding. Rushing through early steps often leads to going back and fixing issues later.

    But going slow doesn't mean it's boring! We use fun, engaging activities and games to help your horse learn while keeping the process enjoyable for you both.

    We’re here to teach you how to set up successful learning environments for your horse.

    Our focus is on helping you:

    - Create successful learning environments

    - Understand how horses learn

    - Build new behaviours step-by-step

    - Redirect undesired behaviours

    - Develop behaviour chains and sequences

    - Work with your horse with their input—not against it

    We want you to feel confident shaping your horse’s learning in a way that’s clear, ethical, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • Pricing & Payment

    45-Minute Coaching Session: $75

    Travel Charges: $0.90 per km (each way)
    Travel is complimentary within a 10 km radius of Willunga.

    For group or regional bookings, please contact us—coordinating multiple appointments can help reduce travel costs.

    Payment:
    Full payment is required prior to your appointment via direct debit.
    Payment details will be provided once your booking is confirmed.

    Cancellation Policy:
    A 50% cancellation fee applies for appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.

Why Choose Us?

We are always learning, always reflecting, and always refining.

We have experience with a variety of training methods—and none resonated as deeply or ethically as positive reinforcement (R+). R+ brings choice, freedom, and clarity into the learning process. Since adopting this approach, we've seen our horses and the horses we work with engage like never before:

  • They learn faster

  • They participate more willingly

  • They show initiative

  • They redirect sessions to match their own needs

  • They ask to do more, because they know their voice matters

This kind of training fosters true partnership—where both horse and human are learners, collaborators, and willing participants.

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