Horse Makeovers

Book excerpt: Horses are beautiful creatures who respond favorably to humans because we have the ability to create a positive relationship with them. But how do we create a positive learning environment that will obtain desirable behavior from horses? In her guidebook, a professional educator and Grand Prix dressage horse trainer shares step-by-step lessons and powerful tools of behavior modification that will help horse trainers and riders create successful horse performance. Dr. Patti Dammier relies on over twenty-five years of experience in horse training and professional research and education to offer an innovative approach that uses scientific evidence to teach basic principles of behavior change. Through her methods, case studies, and key points, riders and horse trainers will learn how to: ? Establish goals and objectives specifi cally tailored for each horse ? Create reasonable and achievable lessons ? Develop rider aids and cues that reward behavior ? Decrease undesirable behavior without unnecessary force ? Manage risk and ensure a safe learning environment Horse Makeovers is a guidebook for anyone eager to learn an educated approach to training horses that utilizes proven scientific research, resources of learning theory, and techniques of positive motivation to achieve results.