training

The New Emotional Learning Quadrant: Adding in Arousal

In a previous blog I developed the traditional behavioural consequences model (aka the “learning quadrant”) to include my ideas of how Panksepp’s emotional systems may be considered in that framework. In this blog I want to take this further to look at the next consideration: arousal and threshold. Arousal levels have a massive effect on […]

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How to Teach Shoulder-in and Haunches-in: At Liberty, In-hand and Ridden!

Think this is just for the dressage folk? Think again – this stuff is for you! Of course, if you are a dressage’y person, you’ll know it’s for you, but even if you just want to tootle round the block on your pony, making sure he’s supple, strong and engaged will keep him sound and

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Backing Your Horse – The Connection Training Way

Making the transition from groundwork to ridden work can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! At CT, we have some techniques to make this process smooth, easy, calm and fun for both you and your horse. These techniques can be broken down into 3 steps: Riding from the Ground This is where you

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The Emotional Learning Quadrant

Did you see this good article, Positive Reinforcement: Where Does It Fit in Equine Training? about learning theory and horsemanship (with great comments on our own Shawna)? I particularly like the graphic that Henderson used to illustrate the four quadrants of operant conditioning: The Original Learning Quadrant This is often known as the “learning quadrant”

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Phew! It’s OK to be Anthropomorphic!

Well, maybe you always have been and have not been bothered about scientists moaning on that “animals do not have feelings”. But I did a degree in biological sciences and the charge of being anthropomorphic, ascribing “human” feelings to animals, was a serious put down. As I was trying to prove my equal abilities as

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