The Positive Partnership Club is launching soon!
Positive Partnership Club is a three-month cohort designed to:
Expand your knowledge of equine behaviour and positive reinforcement training with horses through science-backed information.
Provide 1-1 support with a training goal of your choice.
Grow a community and support network of like-minded folks.
What does it involve? This mini-course and meet-up combines online lectures, monthly online group meet-ups and virtual 1-1 coaching and support. Lectures are released at the beginning of the month and followed by the monthly online group meeting to allow for discussion and questions about the topics covered in the lecture.
Why is it structured this way? The small group size and customizability allow for a variety of folks to participate wherever they are in their journey. The content and coaching are spread over three months to accommodate everyone’s lives and be as flexible as possible while allowing you to integrate what you have learned and apply it throughout our time together.
Who is this for? This cohort is for anyone interested in using positive reinforcement with their horse either generally or to address a specific challenge area such as a husbandry behaviour. If you have started with positive reinforcement, you need some support to reach your goals. You can still add positive reinforcement to your training tool kit even if you use negative reinforcement (pressure and release) in your training and riding.
Why is the Positive Partnership Club different?
Through years of experience taking courses . While there are other courses out there for
Investment: $ CAD + tax. Sliding scale options are available to rescues and individuals with barriers to participation. Please get in touch for more information.
How do I sign up? Join our waitlist using the link below to be notified when enrollment is live. As part of the enrollment process will be asked to complete a brief intake form and agree to our community rules and policies, ensuring it is a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Payment is due upon approval of your
This mini-course and meet-up is for you if you want to:
Build a stronger relationship with your horse
By understanding equine behaviour and learning how to use positive reinforcement, participants can foster a deeper, trust-based relationship with their horses. This approach promotes cooperation rather than compliance, leading to a more enjoyable and fulfilling partnership.
Have been interested in positive reinforcement training but aren’t sure where to start
Maybe you have been interested in positive reinforcement training or maybe you have already started and are looking for more guidance or problem solving
Develop your human, science-based training skills
Many horse owners and trainers are shifting away from traditional, pressure-based methods toward approaches that emphasize kindness and empathy. This course equips participants with humane, evidence-based techniques grounded in learning theory, allowing them to work with their horse in a way that respects its natural behaviours and mental processes.
Gain confidence in understanding common behaviour issues
With a solid understanding of horse behaviour and learning theory, participants are better equipped to identify the root causes of behavioural problems.
Achieve more effective and reliable training results
Positive reinforcement training is known for creating resilient learning because it builds the horse's confidence and eagerness to participate. Participants will learn methods that encourage voluntary engagement, leading to stronger, more reliable behaviours without relying on force or fear.
Join a community of like-minded horse folks
The combination of structured lectures, monthly meet-ups, and individualized coaching offers a balance of guided learning and personalized feedback. The group meet-ups also provide a sense of community, enabling participants to share experiences, celebrate progress, and support one another through the challenges of horse training.
Course Outline and Structure
Course Structure
Format: 3 x 1-hour Online Lectures + Monthly Meet-Ups + Personalized 1-on-1 Coaching
Duration: 3 weeks for initial lectures, ongoing monthly meet-ups, and individualized coaching sessions
Personalized 1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
Format: Individualized sessions to address unique challenges, answer questions, and provide feedback.
Frequency: Monthly or as needed, tailored to each participant's goals and horse's needs.
Investment: $ CAD + tax.
Sliding scale options are available to rescues and individuals with barriers to participation. Please get in touch for more information.
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Lecture:
Topics Covered:
Introduction to Equine Behavior: instincts, social structures, and communication.
Recognizing natural behaviors vs. trained responses.
Understanding stress signals, thresholds, and body language.
Objectives:
Develop foundational knowledge of horse behavior.
Identify key behaviors that impact training sessions.
Homework:
Observe your horse and document its behaviors in different scenarios.
Monthly Meet-Up:
Discussion: Share observations and discuss behavioral insights with other participants.
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Lecture:
Topics Covered:
Core principles of learning theory: habituation, sensitization, classical and operant conditioning.
Differences between positive and negative reinforcement.
Practical examples of how horses learn in different situations.
Objectives:
Understand how horses process learning and why learning theory is key to successful training.
Homework:
Choose a simple behavior and identify reinforcement methods to use with your horse.
Monthly Meet-Up:
Discussion: Reflect on and discuss learning theory applications in personal training sessions.
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Lecture:
Topics Covered:
Introduction to clicker training and other positive reinforcement tools.
Shaping and capturing behaviors with positive reinforcement.
Avoiding common pitfalls in positive reinforcement training.
Objectives:
Gain confidence in using positive reinforcement to train basic behaviors.
Homework:
Apply positive reinforcement to shape a new behavior with your horse.
Monthly Meet-Up:
Discussion: Share training progress, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.
Join the club
It can be incredibly isolating and disheartening to feel as though you’re the only person interested in using positive reinforcement techniques with your horse or in addressing behavioural challenges compassionately and ethically. You may find yourself yearning for a sense of community where like-minded individuals share your commitment to humane and effective training methods.
Yet, I assure you, there are many people out there who are passionate about these approaches, just like we are. By coming together, we can cultivate a supportive community that not only facilitates meaningful and lasting change for our horses but also enriches our own experiences and well-being as caregivers and equestrians. This collaborative spirit can empower us all to foster knowledge, share insights, and inspire each other on our journeys with our equine companions.
