Positive reinforcement training can be used to teach a wide range of skills while supporting your horse’s confidence and emotional well-being. Training is tailored to the individual horse, but commonly taught skills include:

• Ground manners such as standing quietly, leading, and personal space awareness

• Cooperative care behaviors including hoof handling, grooming, tacking, and veterinary or farrier preparation

• Emotional regulation skills like relaxation, focus, and confidence in new environments

• Riding and performance foundations built through clear communication and willingness

• Problem-solving and enrichment behaviors that encourage curiosity and engagement

This approach supports both practical training goals and a positive, long-term relationship with your horse.

Fee - $960 per month (does not include board). Three month minimum. Travel fee may apply.

Number of training sessions: 12, one hour sessions, per month preferably scheduled 3 times/week. These training sessions can be interchanged with lessons. Owner participation is welcome!

Owner is responsible for providing the food used in training. This is so we are sure the horse is eating food he is accustomed to and to minimize the chance of digestive upset. If you need suggestions as to what type of feed to use in training, just ask. I’m happy to help!

I’m more than happy to create a training plan for a specific problem behavior! First, all horses need to learn the foundations of R+. Once those are established, we can work on specific behaviors such as:

• hard to catch

• standing still

• tacking up

• hoof handling

• cooperative care and vet visits

• trailer loading

• proper biomechanics

• fear and spooking

• responding to the aids

  The sky is the limit!

I will travel local to Lancaster, PA for training and lessons at your stable. If the drive is over 30 minutes, I may charge a travel fee. The owner is responsible for any ring fee that may be charged by your boarding stable.

If you are in search of training and board, this is available through cooperation with Nookside Stables, 500 Landisville Rd., Manheim, PA. Please inquire for details.

Food is an essential tool in positive reinforcement because it provides clear, timely feedback that horses naturally understand. When used correctly, food rewards increase motivation and reduce stress while helping horses make strong connections between their behavior and positive outcomes. Just as importantly, food manners are taught from the very beginning, ensuring horses learn to remain calm, respectful, and focused around treats. With clear structure and consistency, food-based reinforcement creates polite behavior, willing participation, and a trusting partnership between horse and handler.