Top Marks – Being Brave

This episode details the efforts to train horses to be brave for different purposes. The programme focuses on acceptance training (desensitisation) with horses to various stimuli and helping them overcome specific phobias through gradual training techniques.

The episode focuses on Corky, who is being prepared for a potential event with a wartime theme, and Hawk, a pony cob with a severe phobia of clippers and sticks. Corky’s training involves acceptance training with  objects and scenarios that might be encountered in a wartime context. Hawk’s training utilises incremental techniques to help him overcome his fears. The episode also touches upon the logistics and experiences of taking horses on tour, including a demonstration with a wartime theme and a challenging power outage incident. Pi is featured as a supporting horse for Corky.

Viewers will see Corky being trained using join-up and gradual introduction to scary objects. The episode also demonstrates the incremental acceptance training techniques used with Hawk, starting with quiet clippers and progressing to a vibrating electric toothbrush. The challenges and responses to a sudden power outage during a demonstration are also shown.

Key Learning Points:

1. Systematic and gradual approach: Building bravery in horses requires a systematic and gradual approach. Starting with minimal exposure and incrementally increasing the intensity allows the horse to learn that the stimulus is not a threat.
2. Understanding a horse’s natural instincts: Understanding a horse’s natural instincts as a prey animal is crucial for effective training. Recognising their inherent tendency to be fearful allows trainers to build trust and create a sense of safety.
3. Remaining calm and adaptable: Remaining calm and adaptable in unexpected situations is essential when working with horses. The human’s emotional state influences the horses, and problem-solving skills are needed in unforeseen circumstances.