The 9 Benefits of R+ Training for Horses

Today, science-based training methods are making their way into mainstream horse training. Even so, traditional training and "natural" horsemanship continue to rule the horse world as many trainer's preferred methods. However, there are numerous benefits to switching to positive reinforcement or R+ training. Keep reading to learn more about how positive training techniques can change your horse's life.

What is Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement uses rewards to encourage the right behaviors

Positive reinforcement is a method of modifying behavior by using rewards to recognize and encourage the display of desired responses. Natural horsemanship is an example of negative reinforcement where an aversive or annoying stimulus is applied until a desired behavior is displayed, then the stimulus is removed.

When using positive reinforcement the trainer will give the horse a reward (often food) directly after a desired behavior. While R- training relies on an animal's natural desire to escape discomfort, R+ taps into the excitement of getting rewards and satisfying their basic survival needs.

What are the Benefits?

Negative reinforcement (called 'pressure and release' in the horse world) is the most popular method of training currently used with horses today. Because of that, many riders and trainers learn how to interact with horses using negative reinforcement principles. That familiarity can make transitioning to R+ methods seem less desirable.

However, with positive reinforcement becoming increasingly popular in the horse world, many are growing interested in learning more about it. A great place to start is learning about the abundant benefits of using positive reinforcement training.

1. Increases desired behaviors

The ultimate goal of all training is to increase desired behaviors. Whether we want a clean canter depart, an effortless piaffe, or a calm horse standing still on the crossties, we are looking to influence the horse's behaviors to match our vision. Training is really just shaping behaviors to match criteria set by ourselves, our coaches, or show rules.

Like with pressure and release training, positive reinforcement gives us a way to communicate to our horses what we are looking for and slowly shape basic responses into complex maneuvers.

2. Builds a bond between horse and trainer

R+ training builds trust between horse and trainer

R+ training does not rely on force to make an animal comply. Instead, it uses positive associations and pleasant rewards. These positive associations transfer to the trainer, allowing the horse to find satisfaction and enjoyment in their time spent together. Horses trained with positive reinforcement form a strong bond and often do not want to leave their trainer's side.

3. Decreases anxiety and aggression

Horses tend to be fearful, flighty animals that evolved to flee as their primary source of defense. The annoyance and discomfort applied during R- training triggers the fight or flight mechanism in the horse's brain. Pressure and release trainers use this response to shape complex behaviors.

In contrast, positive reinforcement keeps the horse in a calm, willing, and happy state. Therefore, instances of fear, anxiety, and aggression can rapidly decrease with R+ training. Nervous or aggressive horses can become bold, confident, and trusting with R+.

4. Provide physical and mental stimulation

Horses can become willing to perform without force using R+

Horses are big animals that require a lot of exercise. In the wild, horses can travel upwards of 20 miles each day. Even when kept in large pastures, domesticated horses still need time out and about to burn off steam and alleviate boredom.

Just like humans, horses like to have something they can look forward to every day. R+ training is a great way to get your horse excited about moving and playing mind games, increasing their quality of life and physical longevity.

5. Builds confidence

Horses are fearful animals by nature. Many trainers have to constantly work to overcome their spooky inclinations. While R- training taps into a horse's fear mechanisms and can make them more anxious, R+ can quickly build a horse's confidence.

Instead of using intimidation to force a horse to confront their fears, positive reinforcement rewards the horse for stepping outside their comfort zone. Some horses trained with positive reinforcement become so confident they willing approach scary objects in the hope of earning a treat.

6. Allows the horse to choose

Horses trained with R+ are often waiting at the gate to be trained

Positive reinforcement allows the horse to have a say in their training journey. R+ never uses whips, spurs, or leads to force a horse to perform a certain behavior. Instead, the trainer has to find ways to motivate the horse to perform on their own.

Positive reinforcement sees the subject as a willing participant, so if your horse doesn't feel like training that day, they don't have to. This allows an element of autonomy not seen in other forms of horse training.

7. Is rewarding for the trainer

Positive reinforcement training can become addictive to the trainer too. Horse trainers and riders enjoy spending time with these majestic animals. However, that joy can quickly dissipate if the horses are not willing to spend time with us.

Many people struggle to catch their horses from the field and often have to resort to force to get them to comply. In contrast, horses trained with R+ methods are joyous to do their work and relish the time they spend with their trainers. R+ training is fun and beneficial for both parties.

8. Creates willingness and excitement to learn

R+ fosters a willingness to learn

There is no way to force a horse to comply with R+ training, therefore it is up to the trainer to find ways to make their horse excited to say "yes." Sometimes this takes creativity, but results in a horse that performs every task asked with joy and willingness.

While other training methods rely on a horse's natural desire to avoid discomfort, R+ instead taps into their desire to work for a reward, creating an animal that is in love with the work they do. Positively trained horses often meet their trainers at the gate for their training.

9. Facilitates easy communication with the horse

Animal trainers have the difficult task of trying to translate what they want from their animals into terms they can understand. This cross-species communication can lead to confusion and frustration. Positive reinforcement is a good way to put the trainer's desires into terms the horse can understand.

Marker training is the most popular form of positive reinforcement used with both dogs and horses. It uses a specific sound to pinpoint the exact moment being rewarded, giving trainers the unique opportunity to communicate exactly what they are looking for.

Getting Started

Positive reinforcement can change your horse's life. Learn more about positive reinforcement by reading The Ultimate Guide To Positive Reinforcement Training.