Q: Is it safe to train my horse with positive reinforcement? Lots of people at my yard say it is dangerous and makes horses pushy.

A: That’s an excellent question, and one many riders are asking right now.

In short: yes, positive reinforcement can be safe and highly effective when used correctly, but it does require good timing, clear boundaries, and an understanding of equine behaviour.

What is positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement simply means adding something the horse values (like food or wither scratching) to reward a desired behaviour. Over time, the horse learns that their choices have pleasant consequences, and this makes them more motivated and confident to offer the behaviour again.

Many professional trainers and behaviourists use positive reinforcement to teach everything from basic handling to advanced in-hand work and liberty training, and my riders also successfully incorporate it into their ridden work.

Why people say it’s risky

The concern you’ve heard – that the horse may start to see you only as a ‘treat dispenser’ – comes from situations where the reinforcement isn’t structured well. If a horse doesn’t understand what earns the reward or when it’s coming, frustration and pushiness can creep in. This can look like mugging pockets or crowding the handler.

That’s not the method being ‘dangerous’; it’s just a sign that the horse hasn’t yet learned the way the method works. It’s a bit like giving a child sweets – the timing, clarity, and rules matter as much as the reward itself.

How to keep it safe and fair

If you start experimenting with positive reinforcement:

• Work with a reputable professional who understands equine learning theory and can demonstrate clear handling.
• Incorporating a ‘click’ or audible cue means your horse knows when the treat is coming (and when it is not). This can help keep the rules clear and avoid food frustration.
• Establish boundaries first: reward calm stillness with the head turned slightly away from you before adding movement or new behaviours.
• Never reward ‘mugging’: when your horse has performed the correct behaviour, take the treat to his mouth. Don’t ever reward ‘mugging’ for treats by giving a treat to ‘stop’ the behaviour.
• Use small, frequent rewards: grass pellets, chaff or scratches are ideal as they keep arousal levels low.
• Work with your horse on his own, not in a paddock with other horses.
• End sessions early while the horse is focused and relaxed.

Why it can be worth exploring

When done thoughtfully, positive reinforcement can strengthen trust, increase motivation, and give the horse a sense of control over their learning – all of which have strong welfare benefits. It doesn’t have to replace other forms of training; it can simply add another layer of clarity and enjoyment for both horse and rider.

Final thoughts

Positive reinforcement isn’t inherently dangerous; it’s a powerful communication tool, and is often used to very successfully train ‘wild’ animals that are far more ‘dangerous’ than horses.

Like any method, it just depends on skill, timing, and empathy. The horses we see online who have been properly trained with this method look relaxed, curious, and engaged, and we love playing around with positive reinforcement with our herd. Good luck!