[Dawn]

I read this today in my special ed textbook. It is very scientifically researched info. Although it is about people, I think it is also applicable to horses and other animals. This is going to be long, so bear with me. I'm going to substitute in horse words instead of children words.

Am I consistent in responding to my horse's behavior? If your response to the horse's conduct -good or bad- is unpredictable, the horse will have difficulty learning how they are to behave. Your horse should know what the consequences of appropriate behavior and misbehavior will be. Give clear directions; hold firm to your expectations; and be consistent in following through with rewards and punishments.

Am I rewarding the right behavior? Horses who present difficult management problems often are ignored when they are behaving appropriately. Often, about the only time they recieve attention is when they are criticized or reprimanded for misbehavior. Sometimes we make the mistake of praising them (for something else) or making physical contact with them (in attempts to offer loving correction) when they misbehave. Make sure that the horse is recieving your attention primarily when s/he is behaving appropriately. You must make certain that desirable conduct receives a hefty amount of recognition and the misbehavior does not.

Are my expectations and demands appropriate for the horse's ability? When expectations are too high, horses feel too much pressure and experience too much failure. When expectations are too low, horses become bored and may feel resentful. Make certain that your expectations fit each horse's ability level so that the horse is challenged while his/her progress is obvious.

Am I providing instruction that is useful for my horse? I'm going to completely reword this one. It's basically saying that the horse has to want to learn. With children, that's like them asking why they have to learn algebra. It also states that sometimes you must use extra rewards to make it worthwhile to them. This is where it becomes appropriate for horses. You provide privileges and rewards.

Is my horse seeing desirable models? I'm going to have to reword this as well. Basically, if your horse is picking up bad habits from other horses, you're going to have to work just as hard to fix the problem but it does not mean he's a "bad" horse. Just that he's a good imitator. So, if there's a horse in your stable that presents a very bad/dangerous behaviour, keep your horse away from that horse.

Am I generally irritable or overreliant on punishment as a control technique? We set the tone of the "classroom" by our general attitude. If we are easily upset, frequently short tempered, quick to punish minor misbehavior, and hesitant in expressing approval we are virtually certain to foster irritability and defiance in our horses. In other words, our behaviour and attitude can shape that of our horse.

Am I willing to try a different view on a problem or to seek the help of a colleague or consultant? A "teacher" who resists the suggestions of others, who insists on "going it alone," or who discards any different approach as useless or doomed to failure is not likely to be successful for long. "Teaching" presents complex behavioral management problems for which even the most competent needs consultation. An attitude of openness and a willingness to look outside oneself are essential to success.

Now everyone knows what I'm thinking about while I'm sitting in class !

<small>[ September 09, 2003, 05:47 PM: Message edited by: Dawn ]</small>

[Mary_k]

Wow, Dawn, that is so good. Very true! Thanks for sharing :-)

[Dawn]

You're welcome. I think it's amusing that that's my "special ed" class, and it's the only one that I feel like I have ADD in, lol.

[Sandra-A1]

That's so true Dawn!
For what it's worth I agree with you!
While I would be the first to say we should not be anthropomorphizing horses, but when it comes working with and training them if you apply the same theories and ideals that are used with teaching children it enhances the perspective and opens up, IMHO, new doors of understanding! Especially when it comes to the first time horse owner.

I would give you an "A" for class on that day! wink

[spyro1]

Last year I worked in an elementary school with ESE (special needs) children and I still find it quite amazing that some of the same techniques that I used with them actually are used in every day life with my animals.(all of them, not just my horses I think what you posted aboove should be an instruction manual sold with every horse!!!! wink

[Dawn]

I worked in a special needs classroom for a semester both resource and gifted. I have the utmost respect for anyone who does that as a job.

[spyro1]

It can be very frustrating but in the end, it is so rewarding (just like with horses)!! Are you getting a degree in education?

[QHGirl]

WOW Dawn that is great. Basic simple knowledge that we should be using every day, not just for Special Ed and Horses, but for life!

I think it is great that you are becoming a teacher! HUM... you thinking about going into Theraputic riding or maybe doing that on the side? It is amazing how a horse and special ed child can connect. I have seen with my own two eyes (volenteering) a 4 year old child who never speaks or gives "commands" for things he wants, put his hand up to his mouth and motion for the horse to walk because he loved it so much! Needless to say I was in tears, and everyone around us was balling! If that wasn't the best his father was thanking us for all the hard work with tears streaming down his face. Needless to say that was a moment I will never forget.

[Dawn]

I'll be certified for k-8. I would love to work in therapeutic riding. I was going to volunteer at a certain center near my house one summer, but it just didn't work out. It was before I could drive, and it was too far for my mom to drive me. However, I am trying to maybe do it this coming summer. I have worked with kids that have disabilities before at just a regular stable.