The Crimped Oats Reward
(Page 58) Developing your equine’s physical health is of primary importance, but training should evolve into a balanced, posturally correct and habitual way of moving and behaving. When we do core strength exercises (as opposed to bulk muscle development), it is imperative that the animal learns self carriage, body awareness and discovers the ultimate comfort that can be obtained from being in good posture. Anything less would compromise symmetrical physical development around the skeleton at the deepest level, good postural performance and cooperative behavior. Using Behavior Modification with the crimped oats reward insures that bad behaviors can be replaced with polite behaviors and that repeated ways of moving in good posture will eventually become habitual…a new normal! The difference between our approach and Clicker Training is that your voice (instead of the clicker) provides a means of communication that works more intimately, consistently and effectively with your equine. By the same token, “Rewards” are not the same as “Treats,” and “Bribing” is not the same as “Coaxing.” Very few of us would be willing to work for a simple pat on the head and this is also true with equines. When “paid well” with the healthy crimped oats reward, equines are more apt to repeat good behaviors and in doing so, those behaviors become habitual. This more intimate communication develops a deep and mutual trust. And, contrary to popular belief, when presented correctly for tasks honestly attempted or completed, the equine that gets the crimped oats reward also gets a lot of practice in taking little things politely from your hand withoutbiting your fingers! I LOVE to see people enjoying their equines as much as I enjoy mine! To learn about the correction for any aggressive behaviors, about Behavior Modification and about Rewards, Treats, Coaxing and Bribing, look on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com under TRAINING/MULE CROSSING/BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION (category). Watch our TRAINING TIPS, also posted under TRAINING on my website. Don’t miss our LUCKY THREE RANCH YouTube channel with lost more educational and entertaining videos! HAPPY TRAILS!
