Connection Training: The Heart and Science of Positive Horse Training Paperback – Illustrated, 9 Nov. 2019

I don't very often write reviews but just had to write one for this book. I purchased it a couple of weeks ago and am still only part way through, but am blown away by the sheer amount of content. I've read a few books which seem to spend a lot of time at the beginning talking about all the things the book is going to tell me which can be frustrating, but this one jumps right in with fascinating but easy to grasp behavioural science.It is so comprehensive. As I've been reading, whenever I've found myself thinking "I wonder how I should approach X" or "I wonder what to do if this happens" the answer is pretty much always covered somewhere else in the book. I really like the fact it's to a certain extent a book about clicker training, but the real focus is on building connection, so it's not all about the connection with your horse just being based on food. The importance of self awareness and breathing etc is mentioned and it covers some thought provoking concepts which I now try to keep in mind when I am working with my horse.I've struggled in the past with all of the methods out there, knowing which one to go along with, how to approach things, and I think there is definitely something to be said for looking at different techniques and analysing their place in your relationship with your horse so I will continue to do this, but I'd say this book, being so comprehensive as it is and with such a focus on a compassionate way to build connection with your equine, is a fantastic foundation so to speak (and beyond - that's not to say what is covered in this book is basic and stops there!) Highly reccommended.

This book about how and why to use positive reinforcement training to build a deeper connection with your horse and teach desirable behaviours goes way beyond any previous book on the subject.Evidence-based and really helpful introduction to the subject for horse people keep to explore the heart and science of horse training. It also introduces alternative, welfare promoting alternatives to dealing with problem behaviour so ideal support alongside assessment and practical on the ground from a suitable qualified behaviourist.

Really clear explicit instructions for starting to use R+ training methods

I liked this approach a lot and have found myself dipping in and out rather than reading cover to cover. I suspect I will continue to do this I try some of the stuff out for myself. Whilst I probably won’t do every single step or process I have found a new perspective and ideas interesting.

Well worth the price, one amazing in depth very informative book. Well written by experts. Buy it

Very informative and well explained with lots of photographs and links.

super book, really inspired me

Great detail

The book is 300 pages.Is set up like a 2 column text book.Colored photographs.16-chapters.I’m impressed with the quality of and the set up of the information; excited to start learning the Connection Training.

Since I’ve begun clicker/positive reinforcement training I’ve seen amazing results, but there were issues cropping up that none of my other books addressed. They are all great books, but this one filled in the fine detail that I needed to help resolve many problems. Mainly-How to deal with my own fear/anxiety and not allow myself to go over threshold. This book has made a huge difference in my understanding of WHY we are using positive reinforcement and getting to the root of the behaviour not just the symptom. Connection is everything! I believed I had a good connection prior to this but our relationship has deepened to a point that I feel so close and in synch. She has a lot to say and I’m finally listening and honouring what she is telling me. I love this book. It’s a must have for anyone starting out on their positive reinforcement training journey. Your horse will thank you for it.

Me esta encantando el libro. Está en ingles pero en un inglés muy facil de entender y está muy entretendi. Me sorprendió el tamaño del libro - es muy grande, pero se lee muy bien.

Das perfekte Buch. Es erklärt die Lerntheorie und wie man dieses Wissen in seine praktische Arbeit mit dem Pferd integriert. Es ist NICHT nur ein Clickerbuch. Wer partout nicht mit dem Clicker arbeiten möchte, kann dieses Buch trotzdem nutzen, um zu begreifen, wie das Pferd lernt und denkt. Der Clicker ist aber natürlich praktisch, um komplexe Aufgaben in kleine Schritte zu zerlegen. Es ist außerdem zur Zeit das einzige Buch auf dem Markt, dass eben kein Clickerbuch für Kunststückchen oder Gymnastizierung ist, wobei diese Themen auch behandelt werden, sondern besonders auf das Reiten eingeht. Von der Bodenarbeit bis zu den Seitengängen im Sattel wird nichts ausgespart. Zudem gibt es noch ein Kapitel über Scheutraining, über Yoga für Reiter und vieles mehr. Es ist einfach eine Goldgrube für alle, die gern über positive Verstärkung arbeiten möchten, statt ihr Pferd herumzuscheuchen. Einziger Nachteil zur Zeit ist, dass es dieses Buch vorerst nur auf Englisch gibt, wobei man es wahrscheinlich auch als „mittelguter Englischsprecher“ durch die vielen hilfreichen Bilder verstehen müsste. Ich kann es nur jedem ans Herz legen!

This is THE book for those who are on the path of or wish to switch to positive reinforcement. Based on the neurological science of mammalian emotions, this goes way beyond mere clicker training. Clear and practical explanations (combined with video links), fluently written, it rekindles your love for what horse training should be all about: having fun and enjoying each other's company.