How to connect with a hard to catch horse 

The distinction that you make between motivation and perspective is pretty crucial to understand and rarely mentioned. The fact that the horse finds "comfort" from facing up rather than being driven around the pen is what motivates him/her to want to be with you. They learn very quickly that this is the most comfortable spot to be in and the closer they get, the better it gets. You are the first trainer I have ever heard that has accurately explained the mythical hooking on, joining up, process. Thank you for always being so crystal clear in your training so that anyone who wants to learn, can.

I am so enjoying this. I just caught your channel and I have trained dogs for years using clicker and every other means of training. I was frustrated when I went to train my Arab because the training videos I was watching didn't work with a smart, sensitive high endurance horse. I was talking to one of my dog training friends and she said, "just train her like you would your dogs." So I did. It was an amazing breakthrough. She turned in to an amazing horse that really did partner with me. We were doing a lot of the things you are doing in this video. I wish I had access to your videos 18 years ago when I was starting her!

Turning the corner into intrinsic motivation is SUCH a game changer.

Thank you for the best explanation of positive & negative reinforcement and motivation I've ever heard! Until today's video I was not a fan of treats or clicker training. Now that I better understand the science behind motivation through your video, I am over my bias! It all makes sense to me, finally!

Another wonderful result from positive reinforcement (treats) is that your horse pays much more attention when something new is being taught because he knows there is something good coming. He actually tries harder to understand what this crazy human is trying to accomplish. I tell them: you do something I like and I'll do something you like. That's fair. I taught my Zeke to spin (from the ground) in three short ten-minute sessions. And the first 25 minutes was all me not being clear. Once I finally got my act together it was done. Thank you Maddy for bringing positive reinforcement out into the light of day.

Your comment about making a comment and making others feel less alone really resonated with me. you've given me hope that together we can all do amazing things with positive reinforcement.

I really enjoy this episode and I will be enrolling in the academy. I have a 9 year mustang mare I adopted as a 6 year old. This girl is my whole world. We have a decent bond. However, she is one that I can not catch in my 1 acre pasture she is in. I can get her into the round pen by graining her. But, catching her out there is a chore. I want to try this excersize. What I am longing for is my horse to love being with me. That when I whistle she comes to me with no hesitation.

Another great episode! I was shocked to hear you read my testimonial LOL!! IT IS SOOOO TRUE THOUGH!! I have never been able to figure out how you can talk and explain what you are doing WHILE you are doing it LOL, but I am grateful you can! I was just trying to explain to someone the other day why clicker training is not 'bribing' and wished this would have been out then as you explain why/how it works so well! I also love the part about 'a perspective that we put on the motivation'...AMEN! How we perceive things is NOT how the horse perceives things, they are so much more simpler then we are, we complicate that! I have watched them in the wild for hundreds (if not more) hours and I have always said they are so simple, yet soooo complicated LOL! They are masters at communication and masters of living in the moment, something I strive for every day! I also loved when Mystic did appear to be disinterested, you pointed out that it was just the opposite. She was actually thinking and considering! Thank you! They are often so mis-read and misunderstood. So much to learn when we stop to listen and actually hear! I don't have a 'behavior' I want to change in my spouse and my daughter is grown and out of the house, so do not have anything to contribute to the question. But if my hubby were to watch.....he might have a behavior he would like to change about me LOL!

So awesome. Love the convo about intrinsic motivation.

Really loved this... I don't have Horses (anymore) , but it really applies to all areas, like you said 🙏 Thank you

How does this work when trying to connect to a horse that is in a herd in a large pasture? The other mares often push her away from any feed

This series is wonderful Maddy. You have shown me how well positive reinforcement/clicker training works. (I was at your first Wild Horse Retreat) so now I want to prove to the young trainers working at our ranch it's value. What video from the membership library would be the most effective? I can't wait to follow your Mystic Project. You continue to knock down status quo and break boundaries. Thank you.

Oh here's mine; We moved here to Arizona in 2006, MUCH against my wanting to. For YEARS I "nagged and complained". It seemed like I was talking to a brick wall. SOOOO, I decided I'd just stop saying anything about moving back to Washington. I simply went about life day after day doing other things. TONIGHT my husband said he can't wait to move back and how much he hates Arizona. Maddy, had we of not been in the car, I'm absolutely positive I'd have fainted from total shock. I'm certain I about broke my neck when it snapped around to look at him on udder uncertainty on if I'd heard him correctly.

I am SO glad you're making these! I am a huge fan of you and your training methods :) I look forward to more!

So good so find your channel. I have Peruvian Paso and have lived in Peru for the last 18 yrs (Not important to this message just info.). My horse has 8 yrs of life now and is a very well trained horse. The problem that happening recently is that he does not want to be caught. Two days previous to this occurring his schedule had been to be put in his stall at night until morning. If I was not going to ride or even if I was I would take him out to the paddock where he is the only horse. Not other horses around. Over the weekend I trimmed his feet and reset his shoes. The happened to be very hard due to the very dry climate we live in here in the mountains of Peru. We are recently going to be starting into rainy season. His hooves were so hard that I decided to have him stand in a pool of watering his paddock. It was just was I kept filling up with a hose on the ground. I sat with him for about 4 hours total during the day until I felt his hooves had softened enough to begin clipping them for a trim. I have only had my horse for what will be one year this December. I had never tried to tie him up to anything because be always stood as if he was trained to be ground tied with no problems. even while trimming and shoeing. The day I was trying to get his hooded softened I decided I would tie him to the rail of the paddock . He acted fine. He seems to be calm , not exhibiting any nervous behavior. This was no more than 30 - 45 minutes. Since this day the problem of not being able to catch him in the paddock has begun. As soon as he even sees me with a halter and or lead rope he starts running from one end of the paddock to the other.kicking his back legs in the air and acting like a young untrained horse. It seems hopeless at this point. I cannot understand the extreme difference in his behavior so sudden. My guess is that having him tied for even that short period caused him to think that I am going to tie him up again to the fence. I have since for the past 3 days been going out to feed him of course leaving him in the paddock because he cannot be caught at least not without someone perhaps trying to act like a cowboy and cornering him which I think would only make things worse i the long run. So doing the time he is eating and periods after his meals I go out to see if he will come to me which he does. I have used carrots or very small handful of farina. as a reinforcement. He comes to me with not problem as long as I do not have a halter or lead rope in my hand. I can also brush his complete body and pick up his feet to clean without the halter of course. He will stand for the whole process.. Any help would be much appreciated.

So glad I found this channel . I rescued a horse almost a month again that was obviously abused😒😞. So needed something different with absolutely no fear approach. She has taken big steps already bless her heart. She was vet checked and the vet said not in foal but I am not sure he missed the foal because of her becoming tense during palpation.

Hi, Maddy! I love that you are working with clicker training and using a field, because my girl has charged me 5 times in the round pen. I was using very little pressure, just pointing, but she gets very aggressive with the other training techniques. Leaning toward her to get her to back will cause her to act like she will attack. I am trying to teach her backing with a target now. We are also working in a field, so I can really apply what you are talking about. So glad I found you! I am going to try to get my husband to help with barn chores more often by telling him what a load that takes off my shoulders time-wise -- and he really does such a great job compared to me. My old technique was the guilt trip. :-)

Awesome episode! I can't wait to see your next episode about haltering. Everything you're talking about is so relevant to what I'm going through, so I really look forward to each episode!

Another amazing video! I so appreciate you explaining how negative reinforcement can cause resentment. I’ve always felt the same way. And that they are simply choosing the lesser of two evils. I like positive reinforcement better, though with both food motivation and “avoidance” motivation I don’t feel the “connection” is real. It’s like if you had a friend who gave you $50 every time you saw them. You might be motivated to see them due to the money but it doesn’t mean the friendship is authentic. I wonder if there is a third way to motivate horses to learn and connect. Until I discover what it is I will be using food, rubs, and negative (I like the word passive better) reinforcement. Thanks for all that you do Maddy!

I loved the reference to love language. That’s for sharing Maddy. I feel very inspired by just listening to you.

I absolutely love your method. I have never seen someone use their voice as the clicker...which just makes perfect sense. Usually they are selling the "clicker" as part of their training method. TY for offering this down to earth method. Can't wait to try it with my rescue mare who is impossible to catch.

Hello again Maddy, Every time I watch your videos, I feel so profound, I also dread watching them a little because this is such a different way from the way I have been, taught, raised and have trained dogs and horses (and let be honest people) before. To your question at the end, I have a 3-year-old and I have been struggling to get her to listen to me, we use both positive and negative reinforcement here, i.e. I thank her when she is listening well and comment on it and when she is not listening there are consequences. I mean she is three, lately going to bed has been a bit of struggle, of course, she doesn't want to go to bed. Her reward for going to bed is reading a bunch of stories, and we start with 3 and if she doesn't get ready I slowly take them away. Maybe I should start with none and let her earn them instead. It's amazing how almost threatening the idea of changing the way you relate to the outside world is with a different perspective, and how immediately it can feel like you have been doing it "wrong." I know this is a better way to work through things with your horse, from all the reading I have done getting my masters in business. Yet I still find myself doing many of the things I have always done. Thank you as always for your wonderful video. certainly, a lot to think about.

Thanks for explaining the positive and negative reinforcement I think this will help me with some horses I work with

Fantastic discussion of motivation behind negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement and how it can either block or lead to intrinsic motivation! I now see how negative reinforcement (pressure/release) has ultimately blocked my geldings intrinsic motivation. Will be using play and positive reinforcement to reignite it. Can also see how *my own* intrinsic motivation has been blocked by negative conditioning - wow. Thank you Maddy!!

Mystic is beautiful ... wow! I've got a new horse that was apparently "broke" the good old fashioned cowboy way so I think this is going to be a great way to become his FRIEND!

I am also I "Why" person. Always have been. I hadn't ever heard the condition described as such and really appreciate your presentation as well as the reasons.

Thanks Maddy, this episode was very inspiring ! Thank you so much for sharing this with us :)

5:34 I’m so interested in learning more about that! Especially working with some of the rescues I work with that are more difficult to catch and lunge.

It's so interesting to know that small and subtle movements mean so much to horses. You miss it if you don't know horses' behavior patterns. Thanks!!

All information well explained. Thank you!

Hello Maddy, thanks for your wonderful advice. My horse, called Rio, used to bite my arm (or what he manages to reach) when I brush him in the side, or when I climb in, he tries to bite my legs. Usually to avoid been biting, I put my left arm up so that, his head hits my elbow every time he tries to bite me. (Super negative reinforcement for a super negative behavoir). Thinking of a positive reinforcement, to avoid being bitten when I'm standing next to him. I will offer him, clicks and prizes (small carrots) for each time he remains calm (basic beginning). PD:Sorry for the writing, this post was made with the help of Google translate J.

You are so amazing Maddy. Your site is so different from anyone else.

Awesome episode. I've never had to deal with a horse who hasn't wanted to get "caught," but it's early haha the concepts still apply to so many scenarios so even if my experiences aren't identical the behaviors and motivations (both mine and my hooved friends) are still there. ❤️

Just found your channel. Very impressed. Thank you.

Such cute zebras! I have had that problem with catching my horse in the past but know she walks over to me and lets me halter her.😁 She is such a pretty mare!

Totally agree with Angela! :-)

beautiful skyline! and girl :)

Thank you this is wonderful

I get so excited to get home and play with my ponies after watching your video

I love her little chews!! the way she chews,

I am enjoying the discussion on positive vs. negative reinforcement insofar as working with horses is concerned. I've heard you mention Monty Roberts in another video and wondered if you ascribe the PICNIC philosophy that he discusses which is basically Positive Instant Consequences or Negative Instant Consequences? I recently adopted (5 days ago!) a Mustang from the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption program and I am trying to "catch" this 5 year old recently gelded horse. He's very shy and standoffish, and I am wanting to try this method of positive reinforcement. I thank you for your comprehensive videos and I will be joining your membership as well. I've started many horses in my day, but never a wild one and so this adventure is exciting.

MOTIVATION! My biggest behavior problem! Not with a horse but ME! I have very little motivation to do things and it drives me crazy! I say to myself, "Ok tomorrow I'm gonna get up early go feed my kids (horses) and then go for a ride!" Sounds great right? Well morning comes and I just say "Oh the heck with it I'll do it tomorrow" and we all know about tomorrows; they just never come. I have learned from you in this short time about breaking things down into steps to get a change but I'm having a hard time with the first step! Any hints?

Hi Maddy, I have been into the negative reinforcement method for a little while now, but got sick of my horses being responsive & wanting to connect for a time & then not wanting to the next. I understand the importance of being consistent with training, but sometimes life just puts the spanner in the works. And I always think about what I must have done wrong to cause the disconnect in the first place. After I started using the click & treat method, I noticed such a change in my 6 yr old thorougbred. Not only was it a big change, but a much more long & lasting one. Thank you for being that inspirational guiding light for me. I love the way you explain the science behind everything (very important). I'm so fascinated in this method of training now that I have enrolled in your HCA course. Just would like to know how long the waiting list is?

Really great video! But what do I do when the horse in a big herd in an area I can't really seperate it from the others?

Wonderful information! Are you able to cue for something and then use a reinforcement (treat) after they respond to the cue? Is that still positive reinforcement?

Good job explaining motivation theory succinctly. I have to wonder if there is any dopamine in the positive reinforcement that is being applied? Thank you

Do you have a hand held clicker or do you click with your tongue? Great video!

I am brand new to horses, and I started with a 3 year old mustang. He was TIP trained prior to me getting him. One thing I experienced pretty early on is trust vs leadership. You could potentially have one without the other and it seems that it’s important to have both? I also realized recently that while my mustang has done pretty well with new things, he might be just tolerating it more than I realized. Especially watching this series where you are going back to square one basically. For example, my mustang doesn’t like the fly spray and definitely won’t get near a hose. He’ll usually tolerate the fly spray with some convincing. But today I tried starting from scratch. Just letting him sniff the bottle and spray once or twice elsewhere. Obviously there is a concern on his part that I haven’t listened to. I guess my worry is finding a balance between listening to my horse and letting him choose vs him being the leader. That’s where my confusion starts. Are there any videos on this subject?

I love positive reinforcement because it also feels better to me - whether I'm interacting with a horse, human or dog... I have a dog who is a "barker." I had tried to use negative reinforcement by telling her no or even using a water squirt bottle to get her to stop. Neither approach worked. After watching some of your other work, I've tried using positive reinforcement. My idea was to ignore the barking and reward good behavior. e..g., sitting quietly instead. I can't say it always works great. Sometimes Kallie barks like a nut, anyway. But sometimes she sits when I ask and takes a treat quietly without barking. After years of frustration, I feel so much better about this approach. I have a talking parrot. She mirrors me and yells "be quiet!" when I discipline the dogs. (Do I sound like that? Why would Kallie want to obey?) There is no motivation to stop with negative reinforcement. And I've heard other trainers "diss" positive reinforcement saying it makes horses mouthy many times. I disagree. My young gelding was pushy at first. Then I trained him to look away from me to get a treat so that he wasn't invading my space. He is super enthusiastic. What is wrong with using treats if we both enjoy our interactions more? I have to admit that in the past I saw treats as a bribe and wanted the horse to choose me, not the treat. Now I'm thinking that is more about me and my issues than anything else. I love the way you think, Maddy! You are helping me rethink old perspectives in a really good way. That is amazing.

How do you prevent the positive reinforcement from turning into bribery?

Hi, I ask you if I can use a positive reniforcement with food without the clicker....only using a food to reward the horse when he looks me....maybe you explained it in the video but i'm not very good with english... Domenico

Ack... I forgot to mention that I am sharing this video on my Facebook Group page, Bitterroot Horse Network as there were several people in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana who adopted a Mustang from the BLM project and we all are sort of trying to figure out how to get going with our new horses.

Off the wall question - where did you get your treat bag!?

Miss Medicine Hat plus dark around the eyes! She is going to be wonderful! How old is she ... looks like a youngster 🐴

Thank you soo much.. Love your videos. I am a member juhuuuu. Best greets from Austria... Back to the queation: I am using pos. Reinf.to my husband, but always when I am using it, my husband thinks he does sooo much and think he is poor... 😂And so I am afraid to say always thankful words to him.. Does anybody know what I mean? My 2nd son is 3 years old and when I use pos.reinf. It works so well. By my older son 12 years, he doesn't care if I am using pos. Or negative Reinf. He do whatever he wants. We will see.. Maybe I started to late with that...

How do you do this if there is more that 1 horse in the pasture, and they're coming up but not the one you want to come in?

How would you play with a “grabby” horse and how would you address it?

How important is it to 'click' and then treat as opposed to just giving the treat?

I have a horse that will charge at me if I try and catch him can you help me

What do you do when neither positive or negative reinforcement works? 😂 I want my husband to clean out his car but I can’t get him to no matter what I try. I love him but would love his car to be cleaner lol.

Kay...but the Zebra tho

I have to admit, while I’ve been in the horse world for many a year, it seems everyone is against treats/feeding in order to connect.

Is Zeus a zebra?

Are you clicking with your mouth vs an actual clicker tool? ☺️

Lost me at "I really don't like that word"

Not doable in a pasture with other horses. If you. Bring food or treats in a pasture with other horses, you will be gand banged by all of them...

You lost my interest when in your introduction you took the time to be negative about other methods and followed up by stating your positive way of training is the better. I suggest you let results speak for themselves if you believe in what you say. I will go elsewhere as a result

Using food rewards to get a horse to do a task can work. But has down sides. You are better than that.