version of clicker training and lots of positive rein- gestures, language, and especially emotions, brought
forcement. So, I set about UN-training by replacing about what I had hoped for in and with others (and
unwanted behaviors with desirable responses. myself!) all along: harmony, balance, peace and joy.
The particular responses that I chose to substitute
happened to be tricks - fun and play being at the As I mentioned, the use of liberty training is my
core of my system. I’ve always used the trick train- preference. It enables me to influence the horse in a
ing games as a way to create a connection and build way that I feel is most natural and effective. I use it
confidence, willingness, focus and trust. I also ascribe for many, many reasons, the most important being
the development of the relationship with the horse.
The Throwaway
I cannot emphasize enough the necessity of building
a relationship with your equine partner - when you
have that, you can then teach anything you want, be
it spelling, jumping or passage. I realized that being
a good trainer required the ability to cultivate this
aspect of my approach, which now forms the basis of
to strictly liberty (free/loose and without any equip-
my system.
ment - I don’t even own a whip) work to show the true
significance and effectiveness of my style. It must also
Everything I do with Lukas is related to promoting
be said that I employ patience and kindness, affection
and maintaining our bond - which makes for extreme-
and appreciation - without which none of this would
ly efficient learning. Liberty training is the vehicle
have been possible.
which allows me to guide, re-direct, explain and
reward a horse in a manner that he best understands.
I am often asked about the role that my career has
Lukas hasn’t been tied since I bought him, and while
played in Lukas’ training. I have been a psychiatric
he wears a halter and lead while we’re out, there’s
nurse for 25 years on acute-care (lock-down) units.
rarely a time that I use it (the lead is looped over his
This experience has been invaluable in my work with
neck) - there is no need for it.
the horses (and everywhere else!) - it allowed me to
see the wondrous benefits and powerful effects of
Now, I am not suggesting that everyone try this - it is
sensitivity, compassion, gentleness and careful obser-
only what I do to demonstrate my point. My point be-
vation (which I continue to work on daily). I became
ing that if a horse freely offers a passage “on the bit”,
aware over the years, that by cultivating qualities
backs up, bows, stays, etc. without any equipment
in myself that I wanted to see in others (including
whatsoever, surely there is no need for cruel methods
the horses), made a huge difference in the way they
to achieve our training goals. Pain compliance , ex-
responded. Being aware of and monitoring my voice
haustive techniques and rigid schedules are counter-
(tone, rate), body positioning (posture, stance etc.),
productive in every instance - they may garner short-
www.equineconnection.org- the website for global equine stewardship - Equine•Connections
15
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