Horse & Rider

REWARDS WORK

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Positive reinforcem­ent in training is the addition of something the horse finds rewarding when he offers the correct response or behavior, therefore making the behavior more likely to happen again. For example, if you’re trying to train your horse to stand still while you mount, don’t focus on punishing him when he moves. Instead, catch him being still for even just a moment, then reward him with a treat or a pleasurabl­e rub on the withers. Then try again, hoping to catch him waiting even longer before trying to take a step, and reward him while he’s still standing. As the rewards increasing­ly help him get the idea, he’ll be more likely to stand still the next time you mount.

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