The praise input
With the default riding bindings, press S or the down arrow to praise the horse. Controls can be rebound, so check the current control screen if those keys do something else.
Praise at the right moment
For a requested gait change:
- Ask for the faster or slower gait.
- Watch for the horse to make the transition.
- Praise immediately when the requested movement happens.
Praising before the transition teaches the wrong moment. Wait for the behaviour you want, then reward it.
Confidence Training
During desensitisation, praise curiosity rather than fear. A lowered inspecting posture and a distinctive snort can signal that the horse is investigating instead of panicking.
When the horse looks worried, give it space and time. Do not crowd it or keep pressing praise in the hope that the reward cancels the fear.
Scritches at a favourite spot and treats can add confidence only while the handbook marker allows it. They are not an unlimited substitute for training.
What not to do
- Do not praise a refusal as if it were the requested behaviour.
- Do not punish curiosity during confidence work.
- Do not assume every horse has the same favourite spot or timing tolerance.
- Do not treat one successful press as proof that a difficult horse is fixed.
Exact timing tolerance and points per press are not established. Watch the horse and keep sessions short enough that you can repeat a calm success.