Shawna Karrasch on Trust and Clicker Training

Written By Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Shawna Karrasch highlights the heart of positive reinforcement training — how it’s not about bribery or just giving treats, but about building a joyful and trusting relationship. She explains that food helps create positive associations, but the real goal is to make training engaging and rewarding so the horse wants to participate. It's about building confidence and choice into your work together, creating a safe and respectful two-way street where the horse feels empowered — and connected.

Shawna is the Positive Reinforcement Queen ….in this video she explains how important building a relationship/partnership “built on trust” with the horse builds a strong foundation! The US Calvary says you could be court marshaled if you raise your voice or hand to your horse …..very important to not break the trust …..I also appreciate how she explains about “the food is used to create good associations” - (it’s only a tool) and the work focuses on creating strong neuro pathways so the horse “enjoys playing the game” and how it’s not all about the food. If clicker training is done properly it’s truly is an amazing tool for building communication and trust …..encouraging horses to rely on us in challenging situations!!
Well said Shawna!!!
Amen

Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Positively Reinforcing good horse and dog behavior

Moose Ridge Farm is located in Lincolnville, Maine just 15 minutes from the coast. A small Dressage Barn where ground work and under saddle work come together to create deeper understanding between horse and rider through clicker training. The horses are able to move around 24/7 in paddocks adjoining their stalls and in the fields. There is a lovely sunny indoor arena, heated tack room and warm water in the wash stall. Horses are given hay 4x day and stalls are fluffy. Alexandra has been clicker training horses for 23 years - her personal horses, her boarders and her riding students. She loves putting the puzzle pieces of animal behavior and training of equines and canines together, not only worki.n with the animals but also coaching the humans. Dog classes, though new to the farm, are not new to her. She grew up with dogs and cats, has raised 3 dogs the past 25 years and is a true animal lover. Positive Reinforcement training is fun and encourages kind, clear communication within boundaries.

https://www.mooseridgefarm.com
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