Many people think the difference between driving and directing a horse is how much pressure we apply. This is not true. The amount of pressure is irrelevant to the principle of driving and directing.
“Reward the smallest try.” That is a common mantra recited over and over in the horse training world. It’s a good concept that if followed can lead to a happy and contented horse. But what is a reward?
I would like to offer a brief explanation of my understanding of how training is supposed to work and why there is confusion among people who are opposed to the use of pressure and feel.
I believe negative reinforcement principles offer the best pathway for providing clarity to a horse. In my opinion, this makes it at the top of the list of kind and gentle training principles.
