What to Expect
Boarding and Training at an R+ Facility
What to know about us!
How We Differ from a Traditional Boarding Facility
All horses boarded at Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center are in our Priority to Positive® training and management program, which is designed not only to teach horses new behaviors, but to support their physical and emotional well-being, agency, and confidence.
Horse care and community at Terra Nova are focused on using Positive Reinforcement. This means that our training approach, husbandry practices, schedules and facility are designed to meet the needs of our horses.
In some traditional boarding environments, horses may be expected to comply quickly, even when they are stressed, confused, or fearful. Here, safety is paramount, but human convenience ranks second. We’ll take the time to help our horses learn how to respond willingly to our expectations. In some cases this may mean human goals take a temporary backseat to the horse’s needs.
Our program shifts typical expectations in several important ways:
The R+ Difference Explained:
Whenever possible, we use positive reinforcement (R+), which means:
- Behaviors are rewarded, not forced. Horses have a voice in the training process.
- We build willingness and cooperation by respecting the horse’s natural motivations.
- Your horse learns that training is safe, predictable, and enjoyable, something to look forward to, not avoid.
We monitor and support our horses’:
- Stress levels
- Body language and Confidence
- Individual comfort zones
- Signs of overwhelm or shutdown
- Training only progresses when the horse is mentally ready, not just physically present.
Rather than restraining a horse to get a task done, we prefer whenever possible to teach cooperative care behaviors, such as:
- Hoof handling
- Grooming Clipping
- Medical procedures
- Trailer loading
You won’t find:
- Harsh bits
- Whips used for chasing
- Punishment-based tactics
Instead of coercion, we rely on:
- Targets and Marker Signals
- Food reinforcers
- Clear communication
- Shaping plans that set the horse up for success
- A toolkit designed for precision, clarity, and respect for the horse’s nature.
Traditional barns often follow a one-size-fits-all system. We design tailored training plans based on each horse’s:
- History
- Personality
- Stress triggers
- Learning style
- Long-term goals
- Progress happens at the horse’s pace—not according to a calendar.
You won’t see rushed sessions or horses “pushed through” discomfort.
- Training sessions are designed to maintain the horse’s enthusiasm. They may be short when teaching new or challenging behavior.
- We build an environment where horses—and humans—can truly relax, focus, and learn.
Unlike a traditional boarding facility where training is often done to the horse, we involve owners in the process.
You’ll learn:
- How horses learn
- How to read body language
- How to build trust
- How to use markers, targets, and shaping plans
- How to safely work with your horse in a positive way
We believe an informed, empowered owner creates a happier, more successful partnership.
In short…
Our equestrian facility and Priority to Positive® R+ program is not just a place where horses live and people ride them, it’s a place where horses and humans learn together.
It prioritizes:
- welfare
- agency
- collaboration
- science
- human patience and learning
Welcome to a different kind of training experience—one where your horse’s voice matters, and where progress comes from partnership, not pressure.