Aria Desert Rain

09/21/2024

🚫 Myth: You need to use force or pressure to train an equine effectively.

✅ Truth: Positive Reinforcement (+R) allows equines to learn through trust and reward, without the use of fear or pain. While learning can involve challenges, +R training ensures that equines are motivated to engage willingly, associating behaviors with rewards rather than pressure. 🌿

I've seen firsthand how this approach builds confidence and strengthens the bond between equine and owner. It’s not about control; it’s about partnership and understanding. 🐴💚

The next time you hear that force is required to get results, remember that there’s a kinder, more effective way to train—one that respects the equine’s emotional well-being while producing lasting, reliable results. ✨

Let’s break the cycle! Share your success stories with Positive Reinforcement below!

09/19/2024

"Why I Chose +R Training"

Hi, I’m Aria, and I’m passionate about training equines to achieve emotional balance and regulation, as well as coaching owners to build strong partnerships and connections with their equines. 🐴💚

I’ve always believed that training is about more than just teaching behavior—it’s about helping equines find emotional stability and creating a deep sense of trust between equine and owner. That’s why I’ve embraced Positive Reinforcement (+R) training. 🌿

Through +R, I’ve seen equines become more balanced, calm, and willing to engage in training without the fear or pressure that often comes with traditional methods. It’s about fostering a true partnership where the equine feels confident, and the connection with their human grows deeper with every session. ✨

I love helping others experience this transformation and discover how building trust and emotional regulation can completely change their relationship with their equine.

What do you prioritize in your training approach? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇

09/17/2024

What Treats Do I Use for Positive Reinforcement?

One of the most common questions I get from students is: "What do you use for training treats?"

I developed a mix of 50% chopped Bermuda grass hay (the same hay my horses eat daily) and 50% hydrated grass pellets. While it takes a bit more time to prepare the mix by hydrating the pellets, it’s worth the effort because it reduces the risk of choke and avoids giving treats that are too high in value for some equines. 🌿

Why did I develop this mix? I’m always looking for the minimum value of treats that will keep my horses calm and focused, but also engaged in the training. 🧠

Too much treat value can cause over-arousal and excitement, making it harder for your equine to stay relaxed during the session.
Too little value, and the equine might lose interest or motivation to stay engaged in the training.
The grass hay is the "boring" part, something they eat every day, and the hydrated pellet adds novelty without overstimulation. I start with a 50/50 mix but encourage my students to try different percentages to find what works best for their equine. 🐴

Why this works:
👉 High-fiber, low-sugar treats help keep your equine engaged while reducing the risk of dietary imbalances or hyperactivity.
👉 The combination of familiar and novel flavors helps maintain interest while keeping the energy level low.

Curious about trying this mix with your equine? If you have any questions about adjusting the treat mix or testing different combinations, feel free to ask! I’m always happy to help discuss what might work best for you and your horse. 🐴💬

Teaser for Next Week:
Want to better understand what truly motivates your equine during training? Next week, I’ll show you a simple way to test treat preferences—you might be surprised at how engaged your equine can be with something as simple as a low-value treat! Stay tuned!

07/27/2024

Well said Progressive Equine Partnerships!

05/22/2024

Very interesting post!

🇬🇧 When a horse (or a human!) performs something he may do so because he feels internal motivation for it, but he may also act because of an external motivator.

Internal motivation is also called the power from within. It comes from the horse itself, without external stimuli. For example, the horse feels that he is thirsty and goes toward the water to drink.

External motivation is driven by external factors: for example, a feed reward

If you build an Enriched Environment for your horse, in which he can explore on his own in the setting you created, there are many horses that are internally motivated to do so. Without feed being involved. Those horses look, smell, taste, bite, shake, bump their noses at the objects. They stand on them, or kick them, for example.

If you use treats in an enriched environment, then it is interesting to see what those treats do in relation to exploring the objects. Especially if we are talking about just that internal and external motivation.
Does the horse grab the food treats and avoid the objects as much as possible. Or does the feed actually stimulate his internal motivation, and he looks for the feed and discovers the objects as well.

In practice, the two forms of motivation are often intertwined. Internal and external motivation are both important, but internal motivation is the key to long-term success and enjoyment. ✅

Enjoy observing!

—-

🇳🇱 Wanneer een paard (of een mens!) iets uitvoert kan hij dat doen omdat hij daar interne motivatie voor voelt, maar hij kan ook in actie komen vanwege een externe motivator.

Interne motivatie is ook wel de kracht van binnenuit. Het komt voort uit het paard zelf, zonder externe prikkels. Bijvoorbeeld het paard voelt dat hij dorst heeft en gaat naar het water toe om te drinken. Externe motivatie wordt gestuurd door externe factoren: bijvoorbeeld een voerbeloning

Bouw je een Enriched Environment voor je paard, waarin hij in de door jou gemaakte setting zelf op onderzoek uit kan gaan, dan zijn er veel paarden die intern gemotiveerd zijn dit te doen. Zonder dat hier voer aan te pas komt. Die paarden kijken, ruiken, proeven, bijten, schudden, stoten met hun neus aan de objecten. Ze staan er op, of schoppen er bijvoorbeeld tegen aan.

Gebruik je voer in een enriched environment, dan is het interessant te kijken wat dat voer doet ten opzichte van het ontdekken van de objecten. Vooral als we het hebben over juist die interne en externe motivatie.
Pakt het paard de voertjes en vermijdt hij de objecten zoveel mogelijk. Of zorgt het voer er juist voor dat zijn interne motivatie wordt gestimuleerd, en zoekt hij de voertjes en ontdekt hij de objecten ook.

In de praktijk zijn beide vormen van motivatie vaak met elkaar verweven. Interne en externe motivatie zijn beide belangrijk, maar interne motivatie is de sleutel tot langdurig succes en plezier. ✅

Succes met observeren!

04/25/2024

We are already a month into Spring, and I would like to discuss a subject that is often overlooked and seldom appreciated for its critical importance: estrous cycles in mares.

Just like women, our mares can experience discomfort during their estrous cycles, which may lead to behavioral changes. Because this topic is rarely discussed, many horsewomen remain unaware of their mares' reproductive health and cycles. Then we recall the paradigm of the “moody mare” and all the jokes we see on social media about mares being bossy, b^%$*@, grumpy, etc. "Marish" has become an adjective with a derogatory meaning. And due to all this, we have stopped offering compassion to our mares!

The estrous cycles of mares typically last 21 days. For about 7 of those days, the mare will exhibit behavioral estrus, and therefore, we may see some changes in a mare’s behavior during training! For instance, my mare, Padopani, becomes very disconnected, has difficulty focusing, and shows an increased appetite. During this period, her learning capacity is highly impacted, so I refrain from training and don’t get upset about it. I honor her necessity to just be a horse during that time.

Take into consideration the anatomy of a mare and the location of the uterus in her body. The ovaries are situated below the lumbar region. Think about the pressure that carrying a rider can exert in that area. Also, consider the engagement of the muscles around that area when a horse trots or canters. Perhaps we are expecting too much from our mares, taking so little into consideration!

I know this may be provocative, and it is not usually my thing to spice things up, but this is a matter very close to my heart! What does it say about our society when we label our mares as difficult along with other demeaning terms due to their physiological changes and needs? What does this say about us women when we can't support and honor our mares?

Please reflect on this and consider showing your mares the love and compassion they deserve. ❤️

Aria Desert Rain is a positive reinforcement horse training and coaching business in Inyokern, California USA. Aria coaches her students both online and in person.

04/16/2024

Please consider supporting Empowered Equines! By purchasing one of their super cute R+ t-shirts you’ll be helping their rescue.

04/16/2024

This is such an important subject! Marking for body language can hinder communication! Watch your equine’s expressions and think about the situation as a whole. Rather than trying to reduce the amount of times you see your equine expressing displeasure try to understand what your equine is trying to communicate and validate their concerns!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘀 ?

Why I advise against teaching “happy ears” or a horse who puts their ears back to put them forwards !! There are a couple of reasons why I do not recommend doing this :

1. Ear position is part of a horse’s communication and we do not want to interfere with this or worse suppress their communication .

2. If we are assessing a horses ‘ body language we want to look at the WHOLE horse and the context in which it occurs .

3. Ears back can mean a number of different things depending on the context in which the horse puts their ears back and what the horse is doing with their whole body. Including how far back their ears are etc.

4. CONTEXT IS KEY!! For example
What is the horse doing ie are we asking for a trained cue or is it in response to an approach by a person or another horse or during tacking up or some other sitiation?

5. There are many ethograms, pain assessment tools to help us to consider what our horse is trying to tell us . If you are concerned that pain may be involved please discuss this with your vet.

6. Expression of self . We should allow our animals to express themselves without constantly seeking to modify it .

7. Expression of a need . What need might they be trying to meet ? Is there something they need to find relief from .

8. Twice because it’s so important CONTEXT MATTERS !!

It is important to remember that these ethograms etc are not just a checklist and we need to account for the horse as a species AND an individual and avoid objectification .

A list of ethograms and useful body language resources (this list is NOT exhaustive ) is below

Resources

Bell, C., Rogers, S., Taylor, J., & Busby, D. (2019). Improving the recognition of equine affective states. Animals, 9(12), 1124.

Dyson, S. (2022). The ridden horse pain ethogram. Equine Veterinary Education, 34(7), 372-380.

Dyson, S., Martin, C., Bondi, A., & Ellis, A. D. (2022). The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality. Equine Veterinary Education, 34(7), e308-e317.

Draaisma, R. (2017). Language signs and calming signals of horses: recognition and application. CRC Press.

Gleerup, K. B., Forkman, B., Lindegaard, C., & Andersen, P. H. (2015). An equine pain face. Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, 42(1), 103-114.

McDonnell, S. M. (2003). The equid ethogram: a practical field guide to horse behavior. Eclipse Press.

McDonnell, S. M., & Poulin, A. (2002). Equid play ethogram. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 78(2-4), 263-290.

Mullard, J., Berger, J. M., Ellis, A. D., & Dyson, S. (2017). Development of an ethogram to describe facial expressions in ridden horses (FEReq). Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 18, 7-12.

Pierard, M., McGreevy, P., & Geers, R. (2019). Reliability of a descriptive reference ethogram for equitation science. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 29, 118-127.

Torcivia, C., & McDonnell, S. (2021). Equine discomfort ethogram. Animals, 11(2), 580.

Borstel, U. K. V., Visser, E. K., & Hall, C. (2017). Indicators of stress in equitation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 190, 43-56.

©️Jessie Sams Animal Behaviour and Trauma Recovery Service

04/01/2024

It’s finally here!!! I’m so excited to start reading this book!

03/30/2024

Empowered Equines has new apparel designs at their shop! Make sure to check them out and wear R+ proudly!

02/21/2024

Tukanon and I were featured by the International Colored Appaloosa Association! 🥰

Padopani and Tukanon are registered Appaloosas with foundation lines. Padopani is 5th generation purebred Appaloosa and Tukanon (her son) is a 6th generation purebred Appaloosa.

Check their website if you are interested in owning a beautiful Appaloosa of your own! https://icaainc.com

WORKING HORSE WEDNESDAY
BCA Zamos Tukanon (F6) with owner and trainer Aria Luna
Photo credits: Antonio McIntyre of "Country Boi Photography" and Aria Luna of "Aria Desert Rain" coaching and training.
This photo shows Tukanon working on neck stretches using a target. If you are interested in Aria's coaching and training, see her website at https://www.ariadesertrain.com/ and FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/DesertRainHorsemanship/

01/27/2024

Dear Equine R+/Clicker Trainer,

I'm absolutely thrilled to share something special with all of you! Starting January 29th, I'll be teaching the "Around the Round Pen/Reverse Round Pen" study group- a unique 4-week journey designed to deepen your connection with your equine partner through positive reinforcement training.

Here's what you can look forward to:

- Weekly Interactive Learning: Engaging videos, practical exercises, and personalized feedback from me.
- Explore Key Areas: Dive into Protective Contact, Emotional Support, Skill Development, and Creative Training Methods tailored for both novice and advanced equines.
- Accessible to All: Don't worry if you don't have a reverse round pen set up; we'll start with tips on creating or adapting one, ensuring everyone can join in!

This is more than just a course; it's a journey into understanding and enhancing the bond with your equine friend. Whether you're dealing with young, anxious, or pushy equines, or just looking to refine your training techniques, this study group is perfect for you.

This study group is completely free to members of the Connection Training Club – a vibrant community where you can access an extensive library of training resources, participate in monthly Q&As, live chats, and much more! If you are not a member yet and would like to participate in this study group, please follow the link to sign up at the end of this post.

Ready to embark on this adventure? Sign up now and mark your calendar for January 29th – a day to start a truly enriching and rewarding journey with your beloved equine.

Looking forward to seeing you in the study group!

All the best,
Aria Luna

Link to sign up for the study group: https://club.connectiontraining.com/forums/forum/study-groups/around-the-round-pen-reverse-round-pen-study-group/
Link to sign up for the CT Club: https://club.connectiontraining.com/
My website: https://www.ariadesertrain.com/

12/15/2023

“You are too soft”

If you were ever told this by a riding instructor, trainer, or coach and had this sentence stuck in your head due to the confusion or indignation it caused, this post is for you!

Softness is a quality not a weakness. It means you have kindness in your heart and that you respect your horse as an individual worthy of compassion, safety, and boundaries. You find joy in your equine having a voice, as it enables conversations and the creation of a connection between you. You see your equine as your friend, companion, and partner in your adventures, and you appreciate their individuality, personality, and trust. Thus, you choose to offer rather than demand, understanding that this approach not only enriches both of your lives but also completes you.

Take a moment to celebrate your softness and your decision to work with your equine in a way that gives them choice and elicits their curiosity rather than fear. Celebrate the courage it took for you to stay true to yourself and continue in the path you believe in rather than succumb to the pressure of your barn mates, trainers or even society itself. Honor your own integrity by forgiving past mistakes made while finding or pursuing this path, as recognizing these errors empowers you to improve the present.

Your softness makes this world a better place for horses, donkeys, mules, and all equines alike. Not only because you make the life of your equine better, but also because of the example you set yourself to be! Thank you for being part of the +R community and for being your amazing soft self!

- Aria Luna

Photo credit: Antonio McIntyre

Aria Desert Rain is a positive reinforcement horse training and coaching business in Inyokern, California USA. Aria coaches her students both online and in person.

12/14/2023

Dr. Sue Dyson’s research is an amazing resource for identifying pain in the ridden horse. These signs are often normalized or missed and they shouldn’t be ignored! Pay attention to your horse’s body language and listen to what your horse is telling you! This post may be from last year but this information is timeless.

11/26/2023

🐴 Is Your Horse Ready for Winter? ❄️

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure your equine companions are cozy, safe, and well-prepared for the colder months. I know that not all horse owners choose to blanket their beloved equine companions during the winter months. However, if you're among those who opt for blankets to keep your horses snug and warm, I've got a fantastic tip just for you!

I am excited to share my latest video, "Blanket Buckle Safety Hacks," to help you prevent blanket buckles from snagging on hay nets, strings, or fencing.

So, if you want to make this winter season comfortable and safe for your horses, don't miss out on this valuable advice. Watch the video now, and please share it with your fellow equestrians who care deeply for their four-legged friends.

https://youtu.be/cD7euyrPCc0

🐴 Keep Your Horses Cozy and Safe with Our Blanket Buckle Hack! 🐎In this informative video, Aria Luna, a trusted equine positive reinforcement trainer and c...

11/07/2023

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to have been part of the last group hosted for this residential course. Claire and Rachel are amazing hostesses and beings amongst a group of likeminded compassionate women was for sure the experience of a lifetime! Please consider donating to their charity as they do a great job taking care and training their rescue horses who are in need of support for hay costs.

GOODBYE RESIDENTIAL COURSES - OUR DOORS ARE CLOSING!

Hi Everyone,

We have some news to share with you. Last week, we said goodbye to our latest group of students, marking the end of our residential courses. Unfortunately, this decision has been influenced by unforeseen circumstances.

It's a difficult decision to make, and it primarily stems from the significant health challenges Claire is currently facing. Some of you may remember her spinal surgery earlier this year, and regrettably, she may need further surgery in the coming year. Her mobility is severely limited, making it impossible for us to continue running our courses.

The timing is less than ideal, as we were excited about the courses planned for next year. We were just beginning to regain our momentum after facing the challenges of Brexit, the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis. While we're deeply saddened not to continue, we're proud of what we've achieved over the past six years.

We've made a significant difference in the lives of 12 rescue horses, hosted renowned trainers, and learned invaluable lessons about helping rescue horses find joy and connection. Most importantly, we've had the privilege of having amazing students like you, who have credited our courses with changing their lives and strengthening their bonds with their horses.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. Please rest assured that we remain fully committed to the well-being of our five remaining equine friends.

While we explore future fundraising ideas, we find ourselves in immediate need of assistance to afford the next couple of hay deliveries. Your generosity can make a significant difference during this challenging period. LINK 👇👇👇👇👇👇

We'll keep you updated on our horses' well-being and any developments regarding our future. Your ongoing support means the world to us, and we want to thank you for standing by us during these challenging times.

Warm regards,
Claire & Rachel 💙🐴

10/21/2023

First CT Coaches 2023 dinner together! Our fun begins tomorrow!

10/09/2023

Four years ago Crockett became my first horse and sent me into the journey that made me the +R trainer that I am today. Little I knew that day the insane amount of changes that it would bring. And I am so thankful for it all! Crockett sent me into the life path I needed to be in and I was also able to make a huge difference in his life. He is my journey horse and I love him from the bottom of my heart! Happy gotcha day Crockett! 🥰

First picture was from this day four years ago. Second picture is from this year!

09/22/2023

Just because an exercise is simple doesn't mean it is not challenging for the horse! As a matter of fact, there are many simple exercises that can greatly improve a horse's balance, proprioception and muscle development!

In this video I am teaching Crockett how to shift his weight between his front legs after placing a leg over the pole. This helps him understand how it feels in his body to shift his weight, building his own body awareness. It also teaches him how to balance on three legs, as when he shifts his weight forward there's very little weight on the leg behind the pole and vice versa. Lastly, it takes a lot of effort from his core and hind muscles to make the shift. Putting all these pieces together can be very difficult!

Why use a pole? Because it teaches the horse to lift their leg and pay attention to their leg placement. In the end of the video, when I ask Crockett to step back over the pole, he start to hold his leg in the air a little longer before putting it down, really thinking about foot placement, which shows proprioception improvement!

I was also positively surprised when Crockett used his foot to pull the pole closer to him reducing the distance between his front legs when he steps forward! Yes, he is making the exercise easier, but he is also telling me where he needs to be right now in terms of difficulty and he is problem solving! Amazing!

Try this exercise with your horse this weekend! Start by teaching your horse how to step over the pole one step at a time. You can use your "walk on" cue and body language. Mark when you horse steps over the pole with one foot and halt (say "woah" if your horse knows this cue). Once your horse learned this step you can work on the duration (the amount of time your horse keeps their foot over the pole). After that you can work on weight shifting. Don't be surprised if it takes you several sessions to get there! Go at your horse's pace and remember to enjoy your time together and have fun!

Don't have a pole? No problem! You can substitute it with a tree branch, broom stick or even a lead rope! Get creative about what you can find around your training space.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask in the comments!

Enjoy!

08/24/2023

07/29/2023

You’ll only get a true “yes” from your horse once you start to acknowledge and respect the times they tell you “no”. That’s where your partnership starts.

07/25/2023

It's finally here! My website is now live! Check it out!

https://www.ariadesertrain.com/