Original Blog Dec 2019
Lisa is one of my "My Horse is Great Except..." Video Coaching Lesson students and in this transformation, we are addressing a long standing saddling problem. Generally, I try not to use the word 'problem',I instead use 'issue or challenge', but this was truly a dangerous saddling 'problem' with Laddie.
There are two videos to watch... the first, a short 'cumulative training clip' of the 12+ year old problem. This video shows the dangerous saddling pattern and it's necessary to watch so you'll understand the 'contrast' between two training methods. The second video is the end result of months of 'shaping' desired behaviors around all things saddling!
"'Contrast' - the state of being strikingly different from something else."
This is a great 'contrast' video study showing the difference between the two training methods of Negative Reinforcement /-R and Positive Punishment /+P as one training method and Positive Reinforcement/+R, as the other training method.
The cumulative use of 'negative reinforcement/-R and positive punishment/+P' training over Laddie's 12+ year old saddling history is shown in the below 1.46 minute video clip - '2010 Saddling Problems'. (Please, no judgments and comments on the trainer, we're just observing Laddie's reactions to saddling.)
Lisa and Laddie Saddling -R/+P Method - 2010 Saddling Problems Video
'Contrast' the below 6.40 minute video - '2018 Saddling Transformation Video'. Transformation through the use of positive reinforcement/+R' with a sound marker/clicker to 'shape' and build desired behaviors using rewards, such as food or scratches, as the reinforcer.
Lisa and Laddie Saddling +R Method '2018 Saddling Transformation' Video
Using positive reinforcement, reward based training and emotion focused skills for both Lisa and Laddie, we were able to facilitate the beginning of the 'transformation process' of their 12+ year old saddling problems history.
For me, as the teacher and Laddie's advocate, the most important piece I could offer and teach Lisa and Laddie, was showing them how the 'choice of offering' allowed them both the ability to engage and participate in the entire saddling process. Together. As partners. As friends.
From Lisa about the "My Horse is Great Except...." :
"I have had the luck to be able to do in-person private lessons with Karen over the years. She has been observing Laddie's saddling problem for many years and has suggested positive reinforcement training on several occasions.
After a particularly bad experience recently (2017) with a well known trainer and saddling, I decided to see if Karen could help teach me and Laddie about positive reinforcement and saddling.
We had one lesson in person initially and through video coaching and phone calls, I was able to slowly change Laddie's thoughts (and mine) around saddling.
The more I learned about how and why Laddie's behaves as he does, the more positive reinforcement training made sense to me.
It's been almost a year since I started Karen's "My Horse is Great Except..." video coaching lessons.
I was able to successfully saddle Laddie in an energetic 'show environment' both days of the year end Western Dressage Florida Championship Show in Nov 2019 in Ocala FL.
One year ago, I would never have thought that was possible.
Thank you Karen for your continued coaching and overall support for "Team Laddie".
~Lisa and Laddie"
What behavior would you like to change and transform??
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