A practical guide to using reward-based training techniques to create a true partnership with your horse. This leads to lifelong connection, effective problem-solving and joyful performance.

If you have ever wished you could get your horse to consistently perform to the best of his ability, On Target Training is for you. This effective new method combines the basics of clicker training (widely used on marine mammals and dogs) with a step-by-step target system that assures training success for any breed or any age horse. Karrasch explains reward reinforcement training in a way that makes it easy to learn. She guides the reader through all the basics, including teaching the bridge signal (using the clicker) and employing hand-held and stationary targets; she then cover aspects of training horses both on the ground and under saddle. Training advice is provided for: specific riding disciplines ‹ jumping, Western riding, dressage, and trail; behavior problems; trailer loading; working with young horses; and last of all, just for fun, teaching tricks. Shawna says: “A degree in psychology is not required to train animals. It is, however, helpful. All of the work we do as animal trainers (with horses too) is based in psychology, whether we are aware of it or not. The more you understand about these proven principles the better you are as a trainer. The focus of my training is helping people to gain a better understanding of behavioral psychology and the benefits of positive reinforcement in regards to horse training. I chose to make the move to horses partly due to the lack of positive reinforcement being used with horses. I recognized that horses were not trained the same as the marine mammals. I also saw that the training we implemented at Sea World would be a huge asset to the horse world. A lot of horse people, including professionals, don't know much about the proven principles of behavioral psychology. Therefore, I see a bigger need in helping horse folk to further understand the principles that govern the relationships we build with our horses.. It is really fun to see the light come on!!”

Everything you have wanted to know, but have never had the opportunity to ask, can be found in this book. Ben Hart aims to provide each trainer with a working understanding of clicker training science and technique, empowering you with the skills and knowledge to enable you to adapt these techniques to suit you and your horse. A clear, concise and accessible guide that will help you develop a positive approach to horse training: this is an indispensable illustrated guide to an exciting, effective and positive method of training horses. How does a small plastic box bridge the gap between desired behaviour and effective positive reinforcement, and in doing so greatly enhance equine-human communication? Ben Hart explains the evolution of clicker training from its use with dogs and marine animals to its place in horsemanship. He answers all of the most frequently asked questions and offers practical solutions to some of the common problems that are experienced during training. Ben Hart gives all owners the opportunity to develop their training abilities and to improve their equine relationships. Whether you want to remove bad behaviours, reward new ones, build confidence, improve problem solving skills or just understand your horse better, clicker training is the most positive approach to equine training currently available. Ben Hart explains the evolution of clicker training from its use with dogs and marine animals, its place in horsemanship, and the importance of refining its use specifically for equines. From experience gained all over the world, Ben answers all the most frequently asked questions, whilst solving common problems that are experienced during clicker training. The author bases his approach to training on mutual trust between equine and human, using common sense and honesty to encourage people to follow their own path to horsemanship. He skilfully balances the art and science of behaviour to help anyone develop a positive approach to equine training that works with horses, donkeys and mules. Clear, concise and accessible, this is an indispensable guide to an effective and positive method of training equines.

From the author of the #1 bestseller The Man Who Listens to Horses, a book for all of us seeking to strengthen our human relationships "Monty Roberts will make you marvel."—The New York Times Book Review In The Man Who Listens to Horses, Monty Roberts revealed the depth of communication possible between human and horse. Touching the hearts of more than four million readers worldwide, that memoir—which spent more than a year at the top of The New York Times bestseller list—described his discovery of the "language" of horses and the dramatic effectiveness of removing violence from their training. Now, the world's most famous horse gentler demonstrates how his revolutionary Join-Up technique can be used not just for horses, but as a model for how to strengthen human relationships. With vivid, often deeply moving anecdotes, Roberts shows how the lessons learned from the thousands of horses he has known can provide effective guidelines for improving the quality of our communication with one another—from learning to "read" each other effectively, to creative fear-free environments, and, most importantly, teaching belief in the power of gentleness and trust.

If you understand how your horse learns and why your training is effective, you can train faster, more ethically, and more sympathetically. Emma Lethbridge thoroughly but simply explains learning theory, and how to apply it in a way that is both efficient for training and holds the horse’s welfare paramount. Knowing Your Horse will be a key resource for those wishing to better understand their horse’s behavior, and to make the most of that understanding to improve their training techniques.