Training Principles

To follow and promote practices set out by the LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) framework. This first and foremost means preventing any physical or emotional harm/abuse to humans and horses. Secondly, to identify areas of pain and suffering to the horse and limit or remove them where possible.

To adhere to the professional standards and expectations set out by the International Association of Animal behaviour Consultants (IAABC) and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).

To create physically and emotionally safe environments for humans and horses

To understand and meet the needs of both humans and horses. This means recognising each as an individual with their own strengths, goals, and learning abilities.

To recognise behaviour always has a function or reason for its occurrence.

To identify causes of behavioural issues before starting any training or behavioural modifications.

To always take the horse’s natural, current, and domesticated behaviours into account while putting aside any pre-existing assumptions about such behaviours.

To acknowledge and understand the many factors affecting behaviour and consider these when developing a behavioural modification plan.

To provide horses and people with opportunities for positive and enjoyable experiences.

To teach, guide and work with, not demand or order (unless there is a safety concern)

To foster an open, honest and professional relationship with clients.

To nurture human-horse relationships

To break down goals and training plans into smaller, manageable, and achieve steps for the horse and human

To prevent humans and horses going over threshold. This includes recognizing when to stop, take a break or step back to reassess the behavioral modification plan.

To constantly observe human and horse body language, interpret this accurately and respond or adjust training appropriately.

To be aware of and in tune with my own emotional state, ensuring a state of calmness and self-control to prevent anger or frustration negatively affecting situations.

To only cause increases in arousal or stress that provides an optimal learning state.

To keep training sessions short and end on a positive

To set humans and horses up for success

To enjoy the journey of growth and pursuit of knowledge for myself and as a community.