Welcome to Via Nova

bay competition horse in snaffle bit circles at a collected trot in dressage arena. the letter K and a judges stand is visible in the background. the smiling rider wears a dark blue coat, white gloves and breeches and tall black boots

Welcome to Positive Reinforcement

Welcome to the Future of Horse Training

What is Positive Reinforcement (R+)?

Positive Reinforcement (R+) is a powerful, reward-based training method that takes advantage of scientific advances in what we know about how animals learn and behave. It’s been used successfully for many decades in training both animals and humans, but it’s a new approach for the equestrian world.

Why Try R+ Training?

Communication. Cooperation. Confidence. Clarity. Connection. Training with Positive Reinforcement (R+) develops success for both you and your horse in an organized, highly effective way.

Clarity for the horse

You’ll break challenging behaviors into small, understandable elements for your horse.

Confidence for the rider and horse

Reward-based training creates a trust bank between you and your horse.

Communication and cooperation

Discover how to solve problems by motivating your horse to learn..

How We Can Help

Priority to Positive®

5 Core Principles

A practical approach to positive reinforcement training for equestrians

Priority to Positive 5-step graphic

Via Nova’s Priority to Positive® approach gives you practical R+ tools that support both the everyday rider and the competitive equestrian. Our five Core Principles will help you think like a positive reinforcement trainer, so you can successfully apply this powerful training method to the many different needs and goals of all equestrians. Including our most important goal of all, the benefit of the horse!

Explore the 5 Core Principles

R+ Training & Priority to Positive® Resources

Get Started

We are dedicated to providing equestrians with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools essential to success with R+ training, both on the ground and undersaddle.

Trainer on gray horse gesturing and talking to interested audience standing at fenceline listening

Resources for Understanding R+

We’ll help you learn how to understand and use this new approach to working with your horse

Training Resources
In an outdoor riding arena, a person on foot walks beside a dark bay horse and a rider. The person on foot wears a teal long-sleeved shirt and helmet, holding a stick with a white foam ball at the end toward the horse’s muzzle. The horse, wearing a bridle, saddle, and white leg wraps, lowers its head to touch the ball. The rider, in a yellow long-sleeved shirt and helmet, sits upright and looks down toward the horse's head. A white treat pouch is attached to the waist of the person on foot. The background shows a fenced arena, rolling hills, and a blue sky with white clouds.

Board & Train at Terra Nova

Work with our expert trainers at the world-class Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center.

Boarding & Training

News & Announcements

Latest Updates

Upcoming Events & Clinics

At Via Nova, we love to share our R+ training insights with the equestrian community. Attend one of our workshops or come say hello if you see us at a competition! We bring a wealth of knowledge on positive reinforcement training and its transformative impact on horses and riders alike.

If you’re organizing an event or workshop and would like us to participate, please get in touch with us for more details on how we can contribute to your event.

  • USDF Regional Dressage Championship | Region 5

    September 17 – September 20

    These championships recognize the outstanding efforts of riders in each USDF region and offer spectators an excellent opportunity to see the top competitors in their respective regions.