Marina working with a horse at liberty

The Positive Horse Training Course

Teach your horse step by step, with all the science you need to know broken down into easy-to-remember lessons and brought to life through comedy so it sticks. This comprehensive positive reinforcement training course is designed to go at your own pace.
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Marina
From Gypsy Equestrian, 100K+ on YouTube

The Journey Starts Here

You love your horse deeply, but something's not working.

Have traditional methods left you feeling uneasy and out of alignment with your conscience?
Does your horse perform tasks but not seem to enjoy being with you?
Does that special partnership you dream of feel further away with each session?

You got your horse believing you could train them yourself, but...

  • You're drowning in YouTube videos and conflicting advice.
  • Safety concerns leave you anxious about training.
  • You're considering selling them or sending them to a trainer.
  • You sometimes leave the barn in tears.

Deep down, you know there's more possible, but you're unsure how to get there.

  • You see glimpses of your horse's true potential.
  • You see the cool videos online, but you're not sure how to get the same results.
  • You want a deeper connection, not just compliance.
  • You're ready for a path that builds confidence for both of you.

You're not alone.

Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training studentStudent feedback from a Positive Horse Training student
Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training student

Discover What's Possible

Marina walking with a horse

Imagine walking up to the pasture and seeing your horse's ears perk up with excitement, ready to work with you, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Picture yourself confidently leading each training session, knowing exactly what to do and how to communicate in a way your horse understands. Every interaction builds trust, strengthens your bond, and brings you closer to the partnership you've always dreamed of.

Gone are the days of frustration, confusion, and doubt. Instead, you feel:

Confident in your ability to train using science-based methods that work.
Connected to your horse; they're excited to train and see it as play.
Proud of the progress you've made together, while not compromising on your values.
Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training studentStudent feedback from a Positive Horse Training student
Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training student

What Is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is a science-based training method that uses food rewards to encourage desired behaviors.

By pairing actions with something your horse values, they associate those behaviors with desired outcomes, making them eager to repeat them.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on high levels of pressure or punishment, R+ fosters a cooperative, willing partnership. Instead of learning to avoid pressure and punishment, your horse learns to try with confidence.

Why Food Rewards?

Food is a powerful motivator for horses, creating clear and effective communication when used properly. In this program, you'll learn how to use food rewards safely to keep your horse calm, focused, and engaged.

Positive reinforcement isn't about teaching tricks. It's the foundation for a confident, responsive, and enthusiastic horse that is excited to train.

Marina training a horseA horse during a training session

This course transforms overwhelmed horse owners into confident, capable trainers through the science of positive reinforcement.

Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters

If you know me as Gypsy Equestrian, you know I love making people laugh, and this course is no different.

Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters
Marina as one of her Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters

Learning science isn't always fun, so I made it funny

I believe entertainment is one of the best ways to learn. That's why I brought in the Gypsy Equestrian comedic characters you know and love to help bring the science to life. Through short, silly skits, they act out the principles of learning theory, so the science feels less like a textbook and becomes something you'll remember, understand and start noticing in your everyday life.

Learn the foundations with 24 essential modules and 12 practical tasks

  1. Welcome to The Positive Horse Training Academy

    How to use the course, find support, earn your ribbon, and take your first quiz.

  2. Before You Train: Setting Up for Success

    Create your ideal training environment with the right tools and techniques for success.

  3. Task 1

    Loading the Clicker

    Teach your horse that the click means a treat is coming.

  4. Classical Conditioning

    Discover how your horse naturally makes connections.

  5. Task 2

    Food Manners in Protected Contact

    Create enthusiasm to train without creating chaos around food.

  6. The Pillars of Ethical Horse Keeping

    The basics of keeping your horse in a way that supports their wellbeing.

  7. Operant Conditioning

    Discover how your horse learns from the results of what they do, including reinforcement, shaping, and extinction.

  8. Task 3

    Food Manners in the Pen

    Build reliable manners that transfer to any training space.

  9. Task 4

    Duration

    Discover the key to creating relaxed, safe training sessions.

  10. Task 5

    Targeting

    Teach your horse how to move towards an object, versatile for trailer loading, obstacle work, side-pass, etc.

  11. Task 6

    The Switcharoo

    Your horse has beautiful food manners and it's time to begin working on both sides of them while you teach different tasks without having to exit the pen each time.

  12. Understanding and Supporting the Food Anxious Horse

    How to understand and support a horse who is anxious around food.

  13. Task 7

    The Countdown

    Our keep-going cue, versatile for desensitizing, hoof handling, trailer loading, under-saddle work, and countless other applications.

  14. Task 8

    Liberty Leading

    Your horse will learn to follow at your shoulder. This is one of Marina's favorite behaviors!

  15. Task 9

    Liberty Leading: Back Up

    Your horse will learn to follow you at your shoulder in a fluid backward motion.

  16. Task 10

    Introduction to Body Targets

    Start here before the body targets, and read the caution first.

  17. Task 10

    Body Targets: Cheek Target

    Teach the cheek target in four phases, with tips for head shy horses.

  18. Task 10

    Body Targets: Knee Target

    Teach the knee target, with tips for backing up and away.

  19. Task 10

    Body Targets: Shoulder Target

    Teach the shoulder target, and learn how to fade out the target.

  20. Task 10

    Body Targets: Eye Target

    Teach the eye target.

  21. Task 11

    Stationary Target

    Teach your horse to "park" at a target.

  22. Task 12

    Self-Haltering

    If your horse had hands, they would do it by themselves.

  23. Final Exam

    Check what you have learned with the final exam.

  24. Graduation

    Wrap up, claim your completion certificate and earn your exclusive finishers ribbon.

192
lessons
8+
hours of video
12
practical tasks
Lifetime
of the course access

Train your eye to spot the difference between positive and negative reinforcement

In the Operant Conditioning module, you'll watch real training sessions and learn to tell the two apart, so you can recognize them in your own work with your horse.

Course screenshot: Marina asks a horse to lift a hoof while explaining on cameraPositive reinforcement
Course screenshot: Marina picks up a bay horse's hoof while explaining on cameraNegative reinforcement
Course screenshot: a roan horse walks beside Marina with no lead rope while she explains on cameraPositive reinforcement
Course screenshot: Marina leads a bay horse on a lead rope while explaining on cameraNegative reinforcement
Course screenshot: a roan horse follows a target stick while Marina explains on cameraPositive reinforcement
Course screenshot: a bay horse on a taut lead rope while Marina explains on cameraNegative reinforcement

Real screenshots from the Operant Conditioning module.

This Isn't Just Another Horse Training Program

This is your path to becoming the trainer your horse deserves, even if you've tried everything else or feel like giving up.

Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training student
Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training student

The course includes

Course Library

  • Lifetime access to the complete course library and video collection
  • Step-by-step tutorials for every foundation behavior
  • Real-world examples with Marina's own horses
  • Watch implementation from start to finish
  • Shaping Plans: each behavior broken down into easy step-by-step plans with downloadable and printable PDFs
  • Quizzes to check your learning

Exclusive Finisher's Ribbon

Celebrate your transformation with the Finisher's Ribbon.

Positive Horse Training R+ Finisher's Ribbon, a gold rosette with a magenta center ribbon

All-in-one mobile app

Access everything in one place on the Positive Horse Training Academy app!

The Positive Horse Training app icon on a phone

Your relationship with your horse transformed.

Go at your own pace or join an intensive for extra support, community, and coaching.

The Positive Horse Training Course

Start learning today. One payment of $497 or payment plans as low as $43.23 monthly for 12 months (Klarna).
  • 24 modules
  • 192 lessons, 8+ hours of video
  • 12 practical training tasks, in order
  • Downloadable shaping plans
  • Knowledge checks along the way
  • Access for the lifetime of the course
  • Discount for intensives and first priority sign up
Purchase and start now

Join the Waitlist for Future Intensives

Go through the course together in community, with weekly group coaching calls, to help lock in your progress.
  • 1:1 kickoff call with Marina
  • Private community access
  • Weekly group coaching calls
  • Personalized video feedback and assignments
  • 'Ask Marina' messaging support
  • Course group recap video
  • Finisher's earn a buckle
Join the Waitlist
Positive Horse Training Finisher belt buckle, engraved silver with copper scrollwork and turquoise accents

More Student Feedback

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Student feedback from a Positive Horse Training student

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the course cost?

The course is $497. You can pay once and keep access for the lifetime of the course, or choose a payment plan at checkout with Klarna or Affirm. Klarna plans start as low as $43.23 a month for 12 months (7.99% APR). Affirm offers 3, 6, or 12 month plans, such as $48.45 a month for 12 months. Plans are subject to approval, and your rate and monthly payment may differ.

What payment options do you accept?

At checkout you can pay in full with a credit or debit card, a bank account, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App Pay, or Google Pay. You can also spread out the cost with a payment plan from Klarna or Affirm. Klarna offers 4 interest-free payments every 2 weeks ($124.25 each), or monthly plans of 3, 6, or 12 months. For example, 12 payments of $43.23 a month at 7.99% APR, for a total of $518.77. Klarna rates run from 7.99% to 33.99% APR, based on your credit. Affirm offers plans of 3, 6, or 12 months, such as 12 payments of $48.45 a month. Payment plans are subject to approval and are available to eligible US residents.

Do you offer refunds?

Because the self-led course is a digital product, all sales are final. The intensive programs do come with a money-back guarantee.

Is this course right for me and my horse?

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your training journey, this course is for you. Whether your horse is reactive, untrained, or just not responding to traditional methods, this program will guide you step-by-step toward the partnership you've been dreaming of. It's also for confident horse owners who want to add positive reinforcement to their training toolkit.

Do I have to use ONLY positive reinforcement to do this program?

Not at all. Positive reinforcement is an incredible tool to add to your training toolkit. This program is for equestrians who want to learn how to properly use rewards in their training regimen. Whether you go full-send and aim to use mostly R+, or you use it for certain behaviors, you are welcome here!

What if I've never used positive reinforcement before?

That's exactly what this course is for! The course is self-paced, so you can slow down and repeat lessons as often as you like.

I don't have a horse. Can I still join?

Yes! You can start learning about positive reinforcement right now, even without a horse. It's also a great way to get a head start if you plan to get a horse later and want to learn to train ethically.

Do I need any special equipment to start?

To start you'll need a clicker, treat pouch, and hay pellets (we don't use commercial/sugary treats). Most of what you need is simple, affordable, and may already be in your tack room.

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You'll have lifetime access to all the course videos, tutorials, and resources. You can revisit the lessons whenever you need a refresher.

Can this course help reactive or wild horses?

Yes, this course will help. A wild or reactive horse may need extra support, though. The intensive or the WILD program can give that support.

How much time does it take?

There are 8+ hours of video, split into 192 lessons. You go at your own pace, but I recommend working through it no faster than 8 weeks, so you have time to watch the material and practice with your horse.

How does access work?

You get access through the Academy for the lifetime of the course. After you buy, your login arrives by email, so you can start with the welcome lesson right away.

Is there a ribbon, and how do I earn it?

Yes. To earn the Finisher's Ribbon, finish all modules and quizzes, and pass the final exam with 90% or higher within 6 months of purchase. Then claim your ribbon with the form.

Does it work for horses of any age or breed?

Yes. The process is based on how all horses learn, so it works for young horses, older horses, and any breed. You set the pace to fit your horse.

What if my horse gets pushy or anxious around food?

The course covers this in the Understanding and Supporting the Food Anxious Horse module and the Loading the Clicker lessons. You learn how to hand out food safely and teach calm food manners.

Is this just tricks?

No. The tasks are real skills, like food manners, liberty leading, and self-haltering. They also give you practice with the process, so you can teach behaviors that are not in the course.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Intensive

What's the difference between the course and the intensive?

The intensive uses the same course material, plus one-on-one support, a community, feedback on all of your homework videos, and a trophy buckle upon completion.

How do I join an intensive, and can I upgrade from the course?

Join the waitlist for future intensives. If you already own the course, you can upgrade. You pay the intensive price minus the course cost.

Do I need a horse to join the intensive?

Yes. You need regular access to a horse to take part in the intensive. If you don't have a horse yet, the self-led course is a great place to start.

What if I already know how to teach these behaviors with R+? Can I still join?

Absolutely! Even if you're familiar with the techniques, we all need accountability and fresh inspiration to stay consistent. Beyond the lessons, the intensive offers so much more: weekly meetings, access to Marina, training challenges with prizes, step-by-step shaping plans, and real-life inspiration and troubleshooting using Marina's own horses. Plus, you'll earn a trophy buckle for completing the intensive.

What is the homework like?

Week by week, you'll watch the instructional videos and practice with your horse 4 to 5 days a week. Each week, you'll submit assignments, which are short videos of you doing the exercises, and receive detailed, personalized feedback from Marina. This ensures you get expert guidance tailored to your unique journey, helping you stay accountable, build confidence, and make real progress with your horse!

How much time will I need to commit each week?

Plan for about 5 to 6 hours per week, including watching the video lessons, attending the weekly group coaching calls, and completing at least four 15-minute training sessions spread over four days with your horse.

What if I can't make the meetings or do the homework?

If you think you'll miss the meetings or won't be able to do the homework, I recommend starting with the self-paced course and waiting to join an Intensive until you have the time to commit. The homework assignments stack, so if you can't stay consistent week by week, you won't be able to finish the program. The community and shared journey are such a key part of this, and I want you to get the full experience this program offers.

I want to join mainly to win the buckle. Should I still join?

To earn the buckle, you need to complete the Intensive. This means showing up for the weekly meetings, completing the R+ homework, and engaging in the community. If you're ready to commit to the journey, the buckle is yours to win!

The Positive Horse Training Course

Start learning today. One payment of $497 or payment plans as low as $43.23 monthly for 12 months (Klarna).
  • 24 modules
  • 192 lessons, 8+ hours of video
  • 12 practical training tasks, in order
  • Downloadable shaping plans
  • Knowledge checks along the way
  • Access for the lifetime of the course
  • Discount for intensives and first priority sign up
Purchase and start now

Join the Waitlist for Future Intensives

Go through the course together in community, with weekly group coaching calls, to help lock in your progress.
  • 1:1 kickoff call with Marina
  • Private community access
  • Weekly group coaching calls
  • Personalized video feedback and assignments
  • 'Ask Marina' messaging support
  • Course group recap video
  • Finisher's earn a buckle
Join the Waitlist
Positive Horse Training Finisher belt buckle, engraved silver with copper scrollwork and turquoise accents