The concept of training in Protected Contact (PC) is unique to Positive Reinforcement (R+) Training. PC means training with a barrier between the trainer and the animal and originated in zoos and wildlife parks, where a keeper’s safety was paramount.
It’s essential for beginner horses and humans, but also for more experienced trainers with nervous or fearful horses. Never underestimate the psychological power of a barrier between human and animal. There is a subtle difference that allows the trainer and horse to relax and feel relatively safe. I’ve talked previously about horses transitioning to R+ and PC is an important first step. Horses are very environment and context specific, so PC is the best way to say to them, “we are starting fresh and new”!! PC is the best way for them to come to the training open and with fewer prior unhappy associations and because we all know how horses can be curious and different in a new environment or context. If we weren’t in PC, old memories and associations are going to be at the forefront of the equines’ mind, such as not being able to walk away, not being able to behave in a way that gives us information about our training. This is because horses, ponies and donkeys are often punished for ‘speaking’ and being honest with us. Look away and they are corrected, pin their ears and they get told off, try to walk away and that is the ultimate act of “disrespect” and punishment will follow swiftly.
One of the wonderful things about R+ training is putting our ego aside, because traditional training is often very much about getting up close and hands on with our horses. Muscle memory and survival instincts are powerful and human or horse can often react defensively without thought when not in PC. So it can feel a bit strange and for many it can be hard to step back and give the animal space. But recognising when we need to use PC, whether for our own or our horse’s benefit, is very important.
When we accept that our training is not about controlling, micro managing or intimidating our animal, OR showing what an amazing uber trainer we are, we can see the power of the learning that is happening from a distance. We can see the animal (hopefully) enjoying pleasurable consequences from their own behaviour. The trainer has the time and space to observe their animal, think, re-organise and if needed, step back.
Equally important is having an alternative food source right there, while the horse is in PC, so they can have something to munch in the breaks and more importantly, have some level of choice and don’t feel coerced to stay for the only available food source. This is not a guarantee though and I will be writing on this in the future. Never assume the animal KNOWS they can walk away, because often they don’t know and will not, based on their prior history with humans.
Watch all the ways we can train in Protected Contact here :-