CAT for Horses

clicker trainer Dolores Arste thought this idea might be useful applied to problem horses though horses are mainly presenting with fear rather than aggression. The sort of horse who goes in the horse float but then explodes for no apparent reason. Aggression fear or overexcitement will cause animals to have a restricted life or a life of fear and defensiveness. She wanted them to learn that the world isnt such a bad place and that there are other ways for them to deal with new peopleanimalsthings that are easier more effective and produce better results.
By teaching horses to be not aggressive not fearful not overly excited by giving them food or other positive reinforcers we dont help them deal with the actual problem. In theory it sounds goodteach them to look to the owner but what if you could teach the horse that he doesnt have to turn away and hope his owner is on the ball but instead simply not be afraid any more?
Thats what a group of horse lovers all around the world have repeatedly managed to accomplish through CATH using giving distance pure negative reinforcement combined with a low stress approach. Sometimes people say oh but this is just approachretreat. It isnt though because of the retreat being given only when the animal shows calm. Also at the point where a lot of people doing approachretreat would say theyre ok so Ill step in closer we would still step away to continue to reward the animal.
Though this is a science based idea the more CAT we do the better we get at SEEING and then FEELING the first TINY signs of fear. Very cool . And because the animal feels in control of the process they even look completely different they are no longer scared but alert and in self carriage. They look as they say Empowered.
Laurel and Jedda her incredibly fearful arabian mare who is teaching her how to be a better horseperson every day enjoys a good itch.
By the way another funny thing also happens once the CATH has done its job the horses actually ask when theyre ready to go back to clicker training which is a great tool for general training.