Positive Horses

About the Book

Horse training isn’t a mystical procedure. In fact, there isn’t mystery in the methods necessary to teach any skill. To learn any skill there is a logical sequence that if adhered to, allows a behavior to be taught and learned. Creating a Positive Horse consists of using positive methods, which in turn creates a positive attitude. Positive Horses explains those positive methods necessary to create horses that perform on taught/learned cues, both on the ground and in the saddle that are systematically rewarded, but also have an extremely positive attitude to their trainer/companion. The system uses the method, ‘Behavior Modification’. This book is about: • Explanation of basic educational methods using systematic sequences that support training horses. • Creating the goals and objectives for each individual horse rather than a “one size fits all” approach. • Training using positive reinforcement— how food rewards creates useable cues, instead of the trainer performing meaningless behavior that the horse doesn’t understand. • Horses learning basic cues: come, stand, walk on, and halt, which provides safety on the ground and assists in the next work in the saddle. • Applying basic training to other equestrian disciplines. • Addressing training method failure, because the trainer doesn’t assess the correct the behavior to reward and doesn’t understand the methods. • Horse case studies exemplifying the use of behavioral methods.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia “Patti” Dammier relies on over thirty-five years of experience in horse training, professional research, and education to offer an innovative approach that uses scientific evidence to teach basic principles of basic behavior change. Besides her experience training horses her degrees include a PhD in psychology and a Master’s in Education, specializing in curriculum development and teaching behavior modification programs to create optimal learning environments. Behavior modification brings the dependability of a consistent approach to develop a positive approach to learning and training environments. Horses need to have the comfort of knowing what is expected and the consistency of methodical training instead of the latest fad. Living more than half of her life in Europe afforded Patti the opportunity to study riding in the best schools in Spain, Portugal, England, and Germany. Not only does she have riding and training expertise but the knowledge to use behavior modification to implement those skills. Besides writing educational research, Dr. Dammier has written two books describing a clear approach to horse training: Behavior Modification for Horses and Horse Makeovers. She consistently includes significant horse training case studies and cites extensive horse research. If you would like to know more about behavior modification for horses check the internet site at: http://www.gotcarrots.com