Greenwalt Equine

11/23/2024

Sometimes, you've gotta up the value of your reinforcer. While that shouldn't always be your first go-to, it sometimes IS the answer, and we shouldn't be afraid to pay for our ask accordingly. Additionally, variety is the spice of life. I was always taught to train with a variety of reinforcers in every training session with every species. That variety really spikes the dopamine (motivation) and receiving that jackpot increases the serotonin (satisfaction). Don't be afraid to play with your reinforcers! Just stay away from the sugar and starch!

I'm getting close to completing my equine nutrition certification (via Audrey Christie Mclaughlin ), and then I'll be coming at ya with a lot more tips for ~feeding horses~ 🫴🐴

11/22/2024

Friends!!! They are coming!!! We seriously have so much fun when they come and learn sooo much! I can't believe there are any spots left! I'll be there! Be there or be square!

We have an R+Clinic coming up in Baldwin City, Kansas!!! We LOVE doing this location. I think there is room for one or two more so please PM Heart Horse Training, LLC for details.

11/21/2024

🚨 New Podcast Episode: Mastering Cues in Horse Training with Positive Reinforcement! 🚨

Cues are the unsung heroes of horse training. They’re the key to clear communication, but they can also be a source of confusion for both horses and trainers. In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know about teaching cues with positive reinforcement, so you can take your training sessions to the next level.

✨ Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ What is a cue? I explain what a cue really is (spoiler: it’s called a discriminative stimulus, or SD) and how it helps your horse understand what behavior will lead to reinforcement.
✅ When should you add a cue? Timing is everything in training, and I break down the best time to introduce cues to ensure clarity and success.
✅ Common mistakes to avoid: From accidental cues to burning out your signal, I discuss the pitfalls I see most often and how to avoid them.
✅ How to achieve stimulus control: I walk through how to ensure your horse performs a behavior only when cued and avoids offering it at random.
✅ Transferring cues: Have an old cue you want to replace? I’ll show you how to seamlessly transition your horse to a new signal.

I also share personal training stories (ever heard of a horse giving an emotional support cone?) and tips from my years of experience as a positive reinforcement trainer. Whether you’re just starting out with R+ or fine-tuning your skills, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use today.

✨ Exciting Updates:
In this episode, I also chat about:

My latest behavior lists, including the new 200 Groundwork Behaviors guide.
A sneak peek at the monthly enrichment calendar coming to my membership in December.
Why my focus is shifting from social media to my email list and membership community—where I’m sharing exclusive content first!
🎧 Listen to the episode now and discover how cues can transform your training sessions. Click here to tune in:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6q5L9NQ9v2nFzpPjFI0B4O?si=mrKd8iDBSoG_9dLrbSEdCw

💬 After you listen, let me know your thoughts or share your biggest aha moment in the comments below. I love hearing about your training journeys!

11/20/2024

Beautiful training ladies!

We are having so much fun in our live weekly group lessons!
We'd love to see you and your horses, there!
Plus I am adding to the membership weekly at this point, just packing it with value!

✨ Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ Weekly live group lessons to learn and grow together
✅ Access to self-paced courses so you can train at your own speed
✅ Free behavior lists to spark inspiration for your training sessions
✅ A monthly enrichment calendar to keep your horse engaged and happy
✅ An incredible community of trainers who "get it" – no more going it alone!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your R+ journey, this membership is your go-to for support, resources, and connection.

👉 Ready to make training fun and fulfilling for you and your horse? Click the link in bio to join today!

🐴💙 Let's train together and create a world where R+ isn’t lonely anymore!

11/20/2024

🌟 “I want to train with positive reinforcement, but… where do I even start?!” 🌟

If you’ve ever said this to yourself, you’re not alone. When I started training with my horse, I had no idea what behaviors were important or how to prioritize them. That’s why I created something I wish I’d had back then: The Ultimate List of 100 Foundation Behaviors for Horses. 🐴✨

This comprehensive guide will:
✅ Give you clear, actionable starting points
✅ Help you build a foundation of essential skills for your horse
✅ Set you up for long-term success in your positive reinforcement journey

And here’s the best part: Print it out! Hang it in your feed room, keep it in a binder, or highlight behaviors as you go. If you’re training multiple horses, you can even use different colors for each horse to track their progress. 🌈

Ready to get started? Link in bio to download! 🔗

11/20/2024

💭 “What should I train first?”

When I started training my horse with positive reinforcement, I had no idea where to begin. I was excited about using this ethical and effective approach, but I kept wondering:

🤔 What are the most important behaviors to teach my horse?
🤔 How do I create a strong foundation for success?
🤔 How can I make training enjoyable for both of us?

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone! In fact, the #1 question I hear from people learning R+ training is: “What do I train?”

That’s why I created The Ultimate List of 100 Foundation Behaviors for Horses — a resource I wish I’d had when I was starting out. This list is designed to help you:
✔️ Know exactly what to train, step by step.
✔️ Build a foundation of essential skills that support your horse’s well-being.
✔️ Have fun while strengthening your relationship with your horse!

Here’s how you can use it:
✅ Print it out and hang it in your feed room for easy reference.
✅ Highlight or cross off behaviors as you and your horse master them.
✅ Training multiple horses? Use different colors to track progress for each horse!

This isn’t just a checklist. It’s your training roadmap — a guide to creating a collaborative, joyful relationship with your horse using positive reinforcement. Whether you’re new to R+ or looking to expand your training, this list is here to simplify the process and inspire your journey.

🐴 Ready to get started? Download the list today and take the first step toward stress-free, effective training!

📥 Download here: https://www.greenwaltequine.com/store

Let’s make positive reinforcement training accessible, practical, and FUN! 💛

11/15/2024

My most recent podcast episode is all about how to start navigating the positive reinforcement horse world these days. If I had to start completely over with positive reinforcement horse training TODAY, this is what I would do! This is how I have been guiding clients to get into this world recently!

Podcast is link:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yl1QQTbUQSGmGHG38Stb4?si=Xn1brI18Q82bWoj_9yIBYA

Spotify: "Happy Horse, Happy Human: Positive Training Connections"
Episode: "How to start training your horse with positive reinforcement"

11/09/2024

Please welcome one of my very best friends, Megan Marie (aka work wife) to the podcast to talk about her current career as a guide dog trainer, our past lives as zookeepers, and all things positive reinforcement!

Podcast link in bio and in stories
You can find it on Spotify:
"Happy Horse, Happy Human: Positive Training Connections"
Ep. 15 "Guide dog training, the zoo world, and all things positive reinforcement training"

11/08/2024

These 2 treat pouches are 25% off for the next 24 hours! ($24)
I have been using them regularly for jackpot pouches or for quick sessions and they have my stamp of approval.
Every week I put an item or two on a flash sale and I send out an email letting people know what item is on sale. If you want to be in the know, join my email list! I promise I'm not spamy!
Link to purchase items in my bio and in my stories!

11/06/2024

R+ is creeping into traditional lesson programs which is so exciting!!
It is very complex to ask a horse to become a problem solver, have multiple different handlers with often very messy clicks and criteria.
It's also very difficult to manage teaching a horse AND a human a new way of doing things, observing both the human and the horse behavior, managing both of their learning, and articulating instructions in real time. It is not an easy task, and rarely done well.
But there are some impeccable trainers popping up!
I have been so impressed with Carolanne at Homewood Farm LLC! She is transitioning her program beautifully and doing really well some difficult horses. Give her a follow, if you haven't already!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087197884824&mibextid=ZbWKwL

11/05/2024

We all need a break from the election news, don't we?
Here is a silly little video. Just because!

11/05/2024

✨ New Resource Alert! ✨

What do I get asked the most?
"What behaviors should I train??"

So, I made something for you guys!

I’ve just launched the 80 Cooperative Care Behaviors for Horses list, designed for those of you who want to make daily care and medical handling a more positive, trust-building experience. 💖 With this checklist, you’ll find ideas for everything from self-haltering to voluntary injections – each behavior brings your horse closer to being an active, willing participant in their care. 🌱

👉 Why it matters: Positive reinforcement is all about creating a safe space for your horse where they have a say. Consent cues, start buttons, and choice can turn daily routines into bonding moments. 🐴

🎧 Plus! Check out my latest podcast episode where I chat about how these techniques work and how they can transform your training sessions.

📲 Visit the link in my bio to grab your checklist! It’s available as a digital download or free with a membership, where you’ll find even more resources to support you and your horse.

Happy training, and here’s to building trust through every small behavior! 💫

11/05/2024

🌟 New Digital Download Available! 🌟
I’m thrilled to announce our latest resource, the 80 Cooperative Care Behaviors for Horses checklist! Positive reinforcement isn’t just about training behaviors; it’s about building a language of trust and mutual understanding. With this behavior list, you’ll have a roadmap to guide you and your horse through cooperative care practices, from simple maneuvers like picking up hooves to more complex actions like voluntary injections.

✨ Why this matters: One of the most common questions I hear is, “What should I train next?” This checklist is my answer! It’s designed to give you ideas and inspiration for teaching new, useful behaviors that encourage your horse to be an active participant in their care.

📚 This checklist is available as a digital download – or if you’re a member, it’s included in your membership (and there’s more where that came from!). Every new behavior list will be added to the membership, ensuring you’re always expanding your training toolkit.

🎧 Listen In: For even more insights, tune into my latest podcast episode, where I dive into the concept of cooperative care, consent cues, and start buttons – all designed to help your horse feel safe and respected.
Ready to start training? Head over to [Website Link] and explore the new checklist. Happy training, and here’s to the joy of working with your horse every step of the way. 🐴💫

https://www.greenwaltequine.com/store

11/04/2024

🟢 Why Start Buttons Are Game-Changers in Training 🟢

Ever wished your horse (or any animal!) could tell you they’re truly ready to start a training session? That’s exactly what a “start button” is for! Start buttons empower animals to communicate their readiness and comfort, putting them in control of the process. It’s more than a signal; it’s an invitation to collaborate, making training sessions smoother and more rewarding.

Start buttons can be as simple as touching a target, standing still, or giving a specific look. By waiting for this cue, we create an environment where the animal has a say, building trust and increasing engagement. When animals know they can pause or ask to go slower, they’re more confident and less anxious. Plus, training becomes a mutual journey, with animals choosing to participate, which results in faster learning and stronger behavior retention.

Whether you’re a horse trainer, dog trainer, or work with any animal, try incorporating a start button and see the difference! Not only will your training improve, but you'll build a stronger, more respectful relationship. 💛

I recently did a podcast episode on this, and man did it eat up a ton of my time this week. So y'all BETTER listen to it!
You can find it on Spotify:
"Happy horse, happy human: Positive Training Connections"
Ep. 14 "Consent cues, start buttons, choice and control, and cooperative care"

11/01/2024

Take riding lessons. Especially if you are a professional.

I have A TON of saddle seat and western riding habits to undo and have been taking lessons with the wonderful Brea at Compass Equestrian. And turns out, I know nothing and suck. But I am having a blast!

In my recent lesson, I was really struggling with an exercise. I finally understood what I was supposed to be doing conceptually, (took a minute) but then I COULD NOT get my body to execute it. And the horse was patiently listening to everything my body was unfortunately telling him, and being a massive tattletale (good boy).
I was struggling and getting frustrated. I am a classic over-thinker and pretty hard on myself and I wanted to cry. But I was DETERMINED to get it. I WANTED to learn, even if it was hard and frustrating. I failed over and over and over again. My gracious instructor offered to demonstrate. I said I wanted to try a couple more times because I felt like I understood, but couldn't get my body to do it.
After several more tries, I FINALLY kinda-sorta got it. THANK GOODNESS.

I would have been sad if we had changed gears and tried something else. I would have been disappointed if my instructor didn't let me struggle and figure it out. It was a hard lesson, but I WANTED to LEARN, to struggle and feel accomplished at the end.
I'm sure if you were watching my lesson, you would have said, "Abigail is frustrated and over-threshold. Let's do something else." But that would have killed my confidence even more. And by the end of my lesson, I was proud of myself for figuring it out.

This made me reflect on my training sessions with horses. SOMETIMES it is worth letting them struggle through something. That doesn't mean we are having big gaps without reinforcing SOMETHING, or letting them get completely frustrated and discouraged. But sometimes, they just need a minute to think through it, and many reps of practice to achieve it. That builds wonderful problem solving skills, resilience, and confidence.
But it's up to you to know where that line is, and create an environment where the horse knows they can disengage if they want to, and know it is ok to fail, and they can figure this out!

I'm ALL about making the sessions fun and highly reinforcing and easy. But there are SOME moments where I just want to tell clients, "Forget everything I have said, and just push forward and let her figure it out!" Sometimes the horse just needs a minute to think and try, and may have a frustrated face, but clearly WANTS to figure this out and achieve it. Sometimes you've just got to give them a minute.

10/31/2024

When the bloopers are just as cute as him succeeding 🤭
This is what a session with an 8 month old looks like, even with 2 professional trainers.
Don't compare yourself to Instagram training. We all edit and show only the good stuff.
But every once in a while, it is nice to see the uncut versions.
Cut yourself some slack, and remember to laugh when everything goes wrong!

10/26/2024

I can't even take credit for this behavior; some of my clients thought of it all on their own! By far my favorite replacement behavior!
This horse can be very rude to the baby horse during feeding and can jump straight to pawing when he is done with breakfast and dinner. They gave him an incompatible behavior that they can hear while doing barn chores.
I'm obsessed 👏👏👏