Learn more about the future of sport horse training
DISCOVER R+ TRAINING
A TOOL FOR TRAINERS AND RIDERS
Positive Reinforcement Training is:
Training through reward for the horse rather than pressure or punishment
Training that uses a Marker signal to immediately tell the horse when they’re correct
Training that systematically shapes the horse’s performance in small, rewarding steps
A very precise means of communication between the trainer and the horse
A way to address problems such as trailer loading or farrier without stress or force
Based on the science of animal learning and behavior
Positive Reinforcement Training of Sport Horses
JUST WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING?
Humans have been training horses for thousands of years. What’s so groundbreaking about Positive Reinforcement training (R+)?
Let’s start with what R+ is not.
Positive Reinforcement Training for horses is not:
Bribing
Luring with a bucket of grain
Natural Horsemanship
Round penning
Horse whispering
Pressure and release
Always riding without a bit
Always using a clicker
Tolerating bad or dangerous manners
Just training “tricks”
Positive Reinforcement Training of Sport Horses
Want to Learn More?
From articles and guides on Positive Reinforcement training to videos showcasing our techniques, we aim to provide you with valuable articles to support your training endeavors.
Changing the Future
A GROUND-BREAKING CHANGE FOR SPORT HORSE TRAINING
When you care about your horse’s performance, you know that their willingness to work for you is paramount. By using Positive Reinforcement to train, we do what traditional training cannot do—we directly create the horses’ positive motivation and eagerness to participate. Horses trained with Positive Reinforcement want to learn. They develop a stronger bond with their trainers and riders, attending closely to the lightest aids.
Experienced and professional riders and trainers will discover surprising new aspects to their horses’ abilities. The precision of the Marker adds a powerful and specific means of communication, opening up the trainer’s ability to shape behavior and performance at new levels.
The practical application of these science-based methods not only improves a horse’s willingness to perform but also promotes a happier and more resilient athlete. Through well-executed Positive Reinforcement training, horses understand and offer the improvements that the trainer desires more quickly. Introducing rewards enables the trainer to minimize pressure and punishment, so the horse gains confidence and clarity in their performance.
Ready to Embrace Positive Reinforcement Training?
LEARN WITH VIA NOVA
Learning how to train effectively and make progress with Positive Reinforcement can be a challenge for trainers and riders. Most of us aren’t certain where to start, so the process may seem slow and puzzling in the beginning. Why on earth teach a horse to touch a target, after all?
Without hands-on guidance, it’s not easy to turn our old habits upside down and learn how we can progress through reward instead of forcing compliance from our horses. There are qualified and experienced R+ equestrian coaches available, but not yet in abundance. The information online can be scattered and confusing. Via Nova is working to add to the pool of qualified R+ equestrian instructors. Meanwhile we’ve developed our Priority to Positive approach to help traditional equestrians understand how to think like a Positive Reinforcement trainer.
At Via Nova, our trainers are continually refining our training methods through practical application and research at our headquarters, Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center.
At the Basis of What We Do
THE 5 CORE PRINCIPLES
The Core Principles guide our Priority to Positive training approach at Via Nova. They can help equestrians understand the new mindset of training with Positive Reinforcement.
These Principles act as a springboard for finding your way into the practical skills and methods you’ll be learning and practicing. They can also help you get back on track if you run into some of the common issues with beginning to use Positive Reinforcement with horses.
Further Your Knowledge With Via Nova
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
We provide equestrians with the transformative knowledge and practical tools they need to implement these techniques in their training practices!
From our articles, educational workshops, live Q&As and conferences, to our Assistant Trainer Program - we do our best to meet you where you are on your training journey and answer your questions as they arise!
View our articles by following the button below, or inquire here to discuss how Via Nova can assist at your upcoming conference.
Job Opportunities
ASSISTANT TRAINER PROGRAM
Our comprehensive training program is perfect for aspiring trainers and seasoned professionals alike. Whether you dream of coaching competitive athletes or fostering strong bonds between horse and rider through R+ methods, our program provides the tools and support you need to succeed. Check out our job openings to take the first step towards a fulfilling career in training horses.
EVENTS, WORKSHOPS & MORE
We attend events and conferences internationally, as well as hosting workshops.
Our workshops provide an immersive and enriching experience for equestrians of all levels. Participants can expect hands-on training sessions, interactive demonstrations, and in-depth discussions on Positive Reinforcement (R+) techniques. Led by experts, these workshops cover a wide range of topics, from foundational R+ principles to advanced training methods tailored for sport horses.
Upcoming Calendar
