Safe treat delivery

Positive Reinforcement training is super effective, but some little aspects of treat delivery can make a big difference in safety and manners around food. While teaching the horse a safe default behavior and how to be polite around food is super helpful, we have some things we can do for clarity too.

When we're training try not to touch the food unless you're going to feed. It's distracting for the horse and confuses your timing. Imagine trying to work and someone is waving money near your face, it makes it hard to focus on what you're doing, maybe i should just grab it?

Bridge the behavior you like and then immediately stop moving your body, the horse will stop too. The bridge ends the behavior so you and the horse should stop and immediately get the treat. Reach for the treat after the bridge, then grab the handful and keep your hand closed while you extend your arm out away from your body and away from your treat pouch! Feed the horse in the position you want them to be in. Put the food where you want the horse's head to be (away from your body).