Safe Start with Positive Reinforcement Training with Dorothy Heffernan

This training day will focus on getting started safely with positive reinforcement training. It's ideal for people who are interested in finding out about positive reinforcement training (and/or clicker training) for horses but who haven't yet tried it. It's also good for people who have made a start and would now like to find out more. I'll also be chatting about things that can go wrong - so if you have made a start and found things didn't go to plan, this will also be useful for you!

Dorothy will cover:

• How to decide what to train - there are several key foundation behaviours that will make training safer in the long term;
• How to make a training plan - making a plan is so helpful in working out how to train effectively and without frustration;
• How to choose the right reinforcement - this also helps with safety and with creating a happy learner;
• How to set up a training session - this is important for making sure your horse knows when training is happening (so it's OK to do behaviours they've learned and that rewards will be coming) but also when training has ended.

Dorothy is a member of the Pet Professional Guild, offering training to horse owners who would like to resolve a whole range of behaviour issues from handling, loading, to issues under saddle. She adheres to the LIMA protocol (Least Intrusive,Minimally Aversive) and is also an Endorsed Trainer of the World Bitless Association, helping owners transition to bitless riding using positive reinforcement techniques. She is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society. She has 3 equine friends of her own so understands the day to day health, behaviour, management and weather challenges horse owners face!

Teas, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring a packed lunch for the break and dress appropriately as the day will have both indoor and outdoor elements.

Please note – the venue is the Equestrian Centre rather than the Northumberland College main building. Please use the postcode NE20 0BB for Sat Nav, which will bring you directly to the Equestrian Centre.

Host or Publisher Northumberland College