Things you can do with r+
I am seeing a few running issues people are having against using R+ as the primary training methodology. I see these issues come up again and again, so I'm going to address them one at a time. 1) with R+ you can't really do anything except touch targets in your back yard. 2) it doesn't create lasting behavior and confidence change to go out in the world. 3) R+ trainers are too strict and want people to do things their way. 4) R+ trainers use punishment on humans trying to learn, they should use R+ on humans too. 5) People aren't critical enough of R+ users which leads to people using it poorly. 6) it's all extrinsic reinforcement, which doesn't take into mind the horse's natural like and dislikes. 7) it's too mechanical and not focused enough on relationship... I'm sure there's more but let's hit these common questions.
1) This one is just outright wrong. The truth is, most people that start out with R+ don't have the time, experience or skills to take things beyond targeting in the backyard, because this is NEW. New trainers aren't going to get the same results experienced trainers are. And to be honest. Most people when they start R+ have a major shift in focus. Their goals turn from competitive external goals - showing off and winning in front of peers, to more relationship focused with their horse. So they may decide they are happier staying home and playing simple training games, because they are getting what they were looking for, partnership and communication with their horse. Even if it means they no longer care to go out and show off. Though MANY R+ trainers do go out and demonstrate the amazing relationships and fun games they've created. R+ trained horses are capable of doing everything traditionally trained horses are and MORE.
2) R+ does in fact create lasting results - so lasting some trainers have gotten a horse back from a traditional farm after YEARS of not doing R+ and their horse remembers all their skills. Because it's not just a training method - it's a language. We may get a little rusty, but we never truly lose our communication. R+ especially builds a horse's confidence which once built, only fades if poisoned by aversives.
3) R+ trainers are NOT strict or gurus like most NH programs. Most of us encourage creativity and problem solving by exploring your horse as an individual. We don't put out horses in groups or categories or personality types. We study them as a species, as an emotional being, and as an individual. We love when learners get creative, because R+ training is still very much in an exploratory phase, as we learn new ways to reach the same old goals, to support every horse. We do, however, share tried and tested paths to help those new to R+ learn how to get started safely and have effective results. This way people can learn how to get started, learn the basic mechanics and science, without falling into common pitfalls, so they have good results and keep growing from this safe foundation.
4) This is a pet-peeve of mine. We have GOT to use R+ on people too. Guide them by example, shape them in a healthy, happy direction. But this does not mean ignoring or disregarding equine welfare. Standing up for animal rights is a necessary part of evolving horse culture. This doesn't mean attacking people trying to do better, but providing education and information and example of how to do things with the horse as a focus. As well as shifting the cultural focus towards welfare.
5) This one gets me, it's in direct contradiction to #4. First we're too critical, then we're not critical enough and people are training poorly and being a bad example of R+. Humans are human. We are all learning, growing, evolving, and moving, hopefully towards more compassionate and ethical training choices. So no, let's not be critical, but rather be supportive and educational. Again, lead by example, teach with consideration to individual needs and goals. Shape people towards better use of this new methodology.
6) You're right! Behavior modification IS all extrinsic motivation. Whether you're training with NH, R+, Traditionally, R-, whatever you want to call it. When you are Modifying a horse's behavior, you know, training a horse, you are EXTRINSICALLY influencing their behavior. All training is extrinsic, all of it, by nature of what training IS. R+ however, doesn't rely just on behavioral science, but also relationship building, emotional neuroscience, ethology of the species. We look at the horse from ALL the science directions, not just behavioral modification, because we aren't just goal focused, but emotion and relationship focused as well. Which I think many people miss when just glancing at R+.
7) Again, yes, learning good mechanics is important, we need to learn the science so we can add the art. Build a foundation of safe, effective science, mechanical behavior training. Then pair it with a deep, impactful, partnership. You can't have R+ without the emotional consideration, without the partnership, the 2 way communication, you can't have R+. The whole reason most of us switched to using R+ is to have more cooperation and communication. Opening this new language with our horses to build a DEEPER relationship