Calming signals is a term introduced by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas (2005) to describe the behaviors that dogs show when trying to calm a situation. For animals living in groups, ways of communication, that can discharge the potentially tense situation, are extremely important. Calming signals are signals that all herd animals use in order to communicate with each
Some years ago behaviourists used to think that animals are passive. But animals are active, they have their own goals and aspirations. We have to be aware of this fact. I wrote before that during clicker training we reinforce not only behaviours but also decisions our horse makes. In this PreWorkshop material I will show
True partnership is possible only when you know who you are. True partnership is based on promises and on stability. Stability and keeping promises are not possible if you don’t know who you are. Many times I see people really want to change something in THEIR LIVES. You may think that there is nothing
When your horse is CALM and feels safe, also because he fully understands what you want from him, and your horse has AUTONOMY to decide what he wants to do and to decide to engage in the training, this is the moment when COOPERATION starts. Cooperation is a mutual agreement that we will help our
Another big change in your attitude is to give your horse the True Autonomy. Many people try to do this and they come to the conclusion that is is a wrong way, because they don’t have communication and there is no calmness and no safety when they are with their horses. When we give autonomy
When everyone is calm the communication can start. When you are scared of your horse and your horse is afraid of you communication is simply impossible. Everyone is following their habitual instincts and nothing new can emerge. Calmness is very easy and very difficult at the same time. You need to feel safe with your
From your current Attitude and Awareness to CHANGE During this workshop, I will share with you my attitude, my techniques and the approach that allowed me to become the horse trainer and the horse owner I am today. Although we will take huge advantage of positive reinforcement, clicker training and behaviourism during this workshop, this
Horses know a lot more than we think. We, humans, tend to diminish other animals because we need to feel special. In fact, we are very limited in many areas in which other animals are masters. Humans always think and we see the world through our thoughts. We can not see the reality directly. We
Horse riding is one of the most beautiful experiences we can have in our lives. It is the direct experience of the support of the Nature. When you sit on your horse; and this “sit” is very important here, because we have to understand that in this situation somebody sits on someone, and this may be
With the Third Module’s Exercises I wish to introduce you and your horses to the concept of the Autonomy in Balance, Attitude, Straightness and Energy. Autonomy means that your horse will do whatever he likes and we will communicate with him what we wish him to do. First thing to remember here is that there is no Autonomy
