Via Nova was so happy to have our student trainers, Cami & Jasmine, kick off their Via Nova: Priority to Positive® Program in August of 2021. Soaking up the experience in the classroom, in the barn, and around the property, they shared a day in the life after their first […]
At Via Nova: Priority to Positive®, we believe that Positive Reinforcement (R+) is a powerful means of motivating and communicating with horses. We strive to develop positive principles and tools to give traditional equestrians the means to improve performance, fix behavioral problems, and create more heart in their […]
Hand Feeding Safely with Positive Reinforcement (R+): Examples
While practicing Hand Feeding Safely with R+ we are teaching a behavior – calm, head away. Seemingly simple, it does take practice and patience, especially when the horse and/or the trainer are new at R+.
Practice, Practice, Practice ✋🏼 […]
What’s in your container? And what container do you use?
We’ve talked about HAND FEEDING SAFELY ✋🍪 with Positive Reinforcement (R+). But how about what’s in your container? What reward works best? In this video, Shawna, Gilly, and Meredith talk about this key ingredient to success. […]
As simple as it sounds, there is a right way to bridge and reinforce. And a lot of nuances. So let’s break down all the aspects of Hand Feeding Safely… ✋ 👍
Practicing hand feeding safely ensures two valuable things:
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July 19, 2021 – Santa Fe, New Mexico – Via Nova Training, home of Via Nova: Priority to Positive®, would like to announce that behaviorist and R+ expert Shawna Karrasch has stepped down from her position with our center. While living at our ranch, Terra Nova, she imparted her knowledge to […]
April 14, 2021 | Reprinted courtesy of the Santa Fe New Mexican
In 2014, Jaxx, a 16½-hands-high thoroughbred gelding, arrived at The Horse Shelter not knowing that he would soon be living his best life. Jaxx was surrendered when his family could no longer take care of […]
Shawna Karrasch works with an experienced horse
In this video Shawna is working with Nico, who is a veteran of the Reverse Round Pen. As we advance with the work in this part of the training, we focus on refining movement and transitions. With the use of […]
Shawna Karrasch works with her young filly Henley
This video is about getting started with the Reverse Round Pen. What is that exactly? Just that – a round pen in reverse! Made with cones and poles, the horse is on the outside of the ‘pen’ and the […]
Shawna Karrasch works with four-year-old Jett
In this video Shawna is teaching Jett to liberty lead. In Positive Reinforcement, that is defined as leading without the help of equipment, instead using your body and movement. No halter, no lead rope, no target.
Jett is a four- […]