Building Confidence with One Small Word: YES!!!

We all know how important it is to build confidence in our children. It is a key component in them becoming well adjusted, resilient adults. But how do we fair at building confidence in our horses to help them realize their true potential?
Imagine you are in grade one. It’s the beginning of the school year and everything is new. It feels like you are away from all that is familiar and comfortable. Your teacher begins the first lesson and, with little experience and a lot of uncertainty, you try to understand and be a good student. In fact, you want to be a good student. The teacher, however, doesn’t quite see this and the only time you hear his or her voice is when you have done something wrong. Perhaps the teacher is really misguided and lets you know in a harsh voice. In an environment like this, it wouldn’t take long to feel disheartened, insecure and perhaps even fearful.
Although we may decry this form of teaching as harmful to our children, it is still quite common to not only witness people treating their horses this way but to see nothing wrong with it.
A few months back I began working with a young horse. He was full of energy and, like any youngster, easily distracted by this new world he found himself in. As we started training he quickly validated my beliefs. When I rewarded his good behavior and efforts he calmed. The more positive feedback I gave the more receptive and eager to learn he became. With each reward, whether in words, a good belly rub or a treat, he would relax with a deep breath then drop head while licking and chewing.
Over time, this horse has become more comfortable, willing and confident in the arena. Although he is still energetic, with continued positive feedback he demonstrates an increased ability to focus at his tasks.
I employ positive training with all horses. It not only increases their skill and confidence levels but makes for safer interactions: horses develop trust in their rider because they sense an openness to relate and a desire to create safety; the rider, meanwhile, deepens their trusts in their horse because of the positive response.
I encourage you to make a big deal the times your horse gets it right. Celebrate, have a party but, most importantly, communicate a big YES that they are doing good.