18/05/2023
โWhen the horse WANTS to do something, he starts going above and beyond. He starts to offer more effort and energy, and loves participating in trainingโ
๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ YESSSS I love this and ๐ฏ agree because itโs true and I have experienced it in my own horses ๐๐ผ๐คฉ
โI want my horse to be in this for me, not the foodโโฃ
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๐This is a really common concern for people when they contemplate trying out positive reinforcement๐ฅโฃ
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Letโs take a closer look at this from a scientific lens ๐งโฃ
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If you havenโt been using any food in your training, and youโre interacting with your horse in a standard way (haltering, leading, grooming, riding, groundwork, etc)โฆโฃ
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Whatโs the motivation for your horse doing what you ask?โฃ
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Is it truly โfor youโโฆ or is he *responding to the release of pressure?*โฃ
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Of course, horses can absolutely enjoy aspects of their time with people. But even so, the primary motivation for performing numerous tasks that expend lots of energy? โก๏ธ Seeking a release of pressure. Weโre not saying this is wrong or badโฆ weโre saying, objectively, thatโs the motivation.โฃ
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Now, when positive reinforcement in the form of food rewards is the primary motivation, things start to change drastically in ways you may not expect! ๐ซโฃ
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Using food rewards, your horse is gaining something that HE wants on an instinctual level. Food is a primary motivator based on physiological needs ๐ดโฃ
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When the horse gets something so desirable out of his time with you, something magical begins to happen โจ well, it feels magical anyway! But in reality it makes total logical sense:โฃ
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He begins to offer you even MORE than youโre asking for.โฃ
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When you use pressure and release, the horse essentially must do what you want in order to experience relief. โฃ
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Whereas with positive reinforcement, he has a *choice* and the opportunity to get something he wants.โฃ
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When the horse WANTS to do something, he starts going above and beyond. He starts to offer more effort and energy, and loves participating in training ๐ฑโฃ
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Kind of like how you may do the bare minimum at a job you need, just to pay the billsโฆโฃ
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But youโd put in longer hours or more creativity into a passion project that fulfills you deeply ๐ธโฃ
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As much as weโd like it to be true, horses donโt do everything just for us. They have their own wants, needs and desires. When you give back by motivating him with something he wants, youโll find that both of you are more fulfilled โฅ๏ธโฃ
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โ MM team ๐ซ