Have you ever wondered if the way we train horses matches up with our personalities? I sure did.

It struck me that folks who are all about positive reinforcement training (that’s R+ for short) seemed to share some key personality traits—like being sensitive, empathetic, and leaning towards introversion.

To dig into this idea, I took a deep dive into the lives of positive reinforcement horse trainers. I asked a group of R+ trainers to self report their personality type as indicated by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This handy tool helps us understand different personality types. Picture it like a compass guiding us through the maze of human personalities.

So, let’s take a look at the results and explore what the MBTI reveals about the folks in the positive reinforcement horse training world.

Understanding the Myers Briggs Test

Before we dive into personality and positive reinforcement horse training, let’s get the lowdown on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It’s like a roadmap to understanding human personalities, crafted by Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers.

Think of the MBTI as a toolkit with four pairs of preferences:

Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E):  Picture two distinct paths diverging in a forest. Introverts tread the quiet, contemplative trail, finding solace in their inner thoughts and reflections. On the other hand, extraverts thrive amidst the bustling energy of the social thoroughfare, drawing vitality from lively interactions and shared experiences.

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N):  Consider the lens through which we perceive reality. Sensors navigate the tangible landscape, relying on concrete data and sensory experiences to inform their understanding. Meanwhile, Intuitives peer beyond the surface, discerning hidden patterns and envisioning endless possibilities that lie just beneath the surface.

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F):  Delve into the heart of decision-making. Thinkers wield the scepter of logic and reason, weighing facts and evidence with analytical precision. Conversely, Feelers tap into the wellspring of empathy and compassion, guided by personal values and emotional resonance in their choices.

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P):  Picture the framework upon which we structure our lives. Judgers thrive in the realm of order and organization, embracing schedules and deadlines as pillars of stability. Perceivers dance to the rhythm of spontaneity, reveling in the freedom of an open-ended canvas and adapting fluidly to changing circumstances.

Each pair gives us a unique peek into how people tick. Mix and match these preferences, and you get 16 distinct personality types, each with its own quirks and strengths.

But hey, the MBTI isn’t perfect. Some folks question its accuracy and say it oversimplifies things. I tend to agree because defining one’s personality is complicated. Personality traits exist on a spectrum rather than as binary categories. Still, MBTI is a helpful tool for our purposes, giving us a glimpse into how our personalities shape our horse training styles.

Methodology

Alright, let’s talk about how I tackled this exploration into personality types and positive reinforcement horse training.

Survey Design

My survey was straightforward, consisting of just two questions aimed at capturing key insights from individuals entrenched in the positive reinforcement animal training community, especially those involved in horse training. Participants were asked to indicate their level of expertise with positive reinforcement techniques and to share their Myers Briggs personality type. To determine their personality type, participants completed the Myers Briggs assessment using the third-party website, 16personalities.com.

Participant Recruitment 

To ensure a diverse pool of respondents, I reached out to enthusiasts of positive reinforcement animal training in Facebook groups dedicated to R+ horse training and through an International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants member forum. This approach allowed us to connect with individuals across various experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who shared a common passion for R+ techniques.

Collecting and Analyzing Data

Over eight weeks, 144 folks shared their insights. I crunched the numbers, looking for patterns and connections between experience levels, personality types, and training approaches. My goal? To uncover the juicy secrets hiding in the data.

Limitations

Now, let’s talk about the fine print. My methodology wasn’t perfect. Surveys have their quirks, and my voluntary approach might’ve skewed the results a bit.

Plus, labeling personalities as introverted or extroverted, sensing or intuition, etc. isn’t very nuanced. Personality types are not as black and white as they seem. Imagine a spectrum where someone could be classified as 51% introverted or 90% introverted. Those two personalities probably present very differently. It’s all shades of gray, not just black and white.

Key Findings

Alright, here’s the juicy stuff I dug up:

1. Lots of Introverts: Turns out, introverted folks rule the roost in R+ horse training. About 84% of our respondents fell into the introverted camp.

2. INFJ and INFP Take the Cake: Among all the personality types, INFJ and INFP stole the spotlight. Together, they made up a whopping chunk (45.1%) of our respondents, hinting that these types are drawn to positive reinforcement horse training.

3. Experts = Introverts: If you’re a pro at positive reinforcement, chances are you’re introverted. Around 82% of the expert-level trainers we surveyed leaned towards introversion.

Implications for Training and Communication

These findings have profound implications for the field of positive reinforcement horse training, extending beyond the realm of training methodologies to encompass communication and outreach efforts within the community.

The prevalence of introverted personality types among R+ horse trainers suggests that the nature of individual personalities may influence the dissemination of positive reinforcement techniques and the public awareness surrounding them. Introverted trainers, characterized by their preference for solitude and aversion to the spotlight, may be less inclined to vocally promote their use of positive reinforcement methods or engage in public advocacy efforts.

As a result, there may be a gap in the visibility and outreach of positive reinforcement training within the broader equestrian community. Introverted trainers, despite their profound expertise and commitment to R+ principles, may shy away from the limelight, inadvertently limiting the exposure and accessibility of these valuable training methods to a wider audience.

Recognizing the impact of individual personality traits on outreach and advocacy efforts is crucial for fostering greater awareness and acceptance of positive reinforcement techniques within the equestrian community. By understanding the diverse array of personalities within the training community and adapting communication strategies accordingly, practitioners can work collaboratively to amplify the voices of introverted trainers and elevate the prominence of positive reinforcement training on a broader scale.

These findings really highlight a serious issue in the world of positive reinforcement horse training. It’s not just about how we train our horses anymore; it’s about how we talk about it, too.

Think about it: a bunch of us R+ trainers lean towards introversion. We’re the types who like our quiet time and aren’t big fans of being in the spotlight. So, when it comes to shouting from the rooftops about positive reinforcement methods, we might not be the first in line.

But here’s the kicker: if we’re not speaking up, there’s a good chance that positive reinforcement training isn’t getting the attention it deserves in the wider horse world. Our introverted nature could unintentionally keep these awesome training methods hidden away from a bigger audience.

It’s a good thing that there are some really prominent cheerleaders in the R+ community who are out there killing it on social media. There’s no denying that R+ has seen a major uptick in exposure in the last few years. However, we need to keep the ball rolling. The average horse owner and general public at large need to see R+ adopters having success with their horses. 

So, it’s super important to realize how our personalities affect how we spread the word about R+ training. By understanding that we’re not all extroverted cheerleaders, we can tweak our communication strategies to make sure everyone’s voices are heard. That way, we can shine a brighter spotlight on positive reinforcement training and make sure it gets the recognition it deserves.

Conclusion

So, what’s the big takeaway? Personality matters—a lot. Our journey through positive reinforcement horse training revealed that introverted personalities, especially INFJs and INFPs, are drawn to this approach.

Understanding how our personalities mesh with our training methods is key. Even more important is to acknowledge the effect that our personality has on our ability to spread the word and perhaps push ourselves out of our comfort zones- be a little more vocal about how and why we train with positive reinforcement. And while our study isn’t the final word, it’s a step in the right direction.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, experiences, and maybe even your Myers Briggs type. Together, we can uncover more about how our personalities shape the way we connect with our four-legged friends.

And if you’re wondering, I’m an INFJ..

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