Connection Training for an eager partner: Shawna Karrasch is back at last!

Update May 13--waiting list for partipants who want to bring horses. If you want to be added to waiting list, please note that in your RSVP. Still open for auditors.*

Imagine: you throw the reins over your horse's head. He walks to the mounting block, positions himself and waits happily for you to mount. He WANTS to do it!

He walks forward when you ask, even when that plastic bag is flapping from the bush up ahead. He steps into a stream or a trailer confidently, instead of fighting you all the way. He thinks working on a perfect 20 m circle is FUN.

Imagine your horse wants to be calm and attentive to you, even when things go awry. Shawna Karrasch and Connection Training can help you make that attitude a reality.

At this 2 day clinic, you'll learn well-established positive reinforcement (+R) techniques to unlock your horse's enthusiasm and motivation. Connection Training is based on the science of behavior. But it's also the art of developing a bond of positive communication between you and your horse.

Shawna brings decades of experience using positive reinforcement to train marine mammals and horses. Her work with marine mammals has given her a special perspective on training large animals. (You may be able to force an unwilling horse into a trailer, but just try it with a walrus!) She's uniquely qualified to teach and apply +R techniques safely with equines.

Participants with horses: $135. We want to have a variety of horses and humans, both experienced and new to positive reinforcement. Stalls $30/night with bedding; bring your own feed. Participants with horses, please RSVP on this page and email event host Amanda for further payment details.

Auditors: $35 - payments can be made on this page OR at the event. Please RSVP even if you plan to pay at event, or I won't have an accurate account for picnic lunches!

Day One - Introduction for horses and humans new to positive reinforcement and bridge conditioning (also known as clicker training.) Participants practice with horses. Auditors practice with each other!

Day Two - Demonstrations of how to use positive reinforcement to address issues such as de-spooking, loading, farrier and vet handling (we have a special vet request to work on tolerance to anal thermometer, where else will you see that addressed?) What we see will depend to some extent on what participants with horses want to work on.