I originally trained as a vet nurse, then went on to work with guide dogs, then Customs drug dogs, as well as show jumping horses, competing in dog agility, racing sled-dogs, and teaching silly tricks to my kune kune pig and ragdoll cat.
I use positive reinforcement training (specifically, clicker training) with all my animals, from dogs to cats to pigs to horses, and have done for 10 years now.
I've seen and used a variety of training methods with different species and quite simply nothing comes close to marker training (e.g. the clicker) for teaching a new behaviour quickly and precisely, and with total enjoyment, trust and active involvement from the animal. Here is some more information as well as a few good links if you are interested in learning more. My friends and I often have training days with people who are interested in learning more about using these methods with their own animals, so if you want to join us sometime just drop me a note.
Other than the Kaimanawas I have two pinto geldings (half-brothers). Minstrel is a Gypsy Cob x, born September 2012. Hokey Pokey was born October 2010, and I have raised him since he was 4 weeks.
For more information on Kaimanawa horses and how you can help them, visit http://www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/
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