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RPlus | interview with Conny and Marlitt
Marlitt Wendt, Conny Ranz, Pferdsein, RPlus, R+, Clickertraining, clicker training, Clicker, Clickern, Positives Pferdetraining, Positive Verstärkung, Pferdeverhalten, Pferde-Ethologie, Pferdeethologie, Equine ethology, Native horses, Shaping, Target, Pferdetraining, empowered equestrians, Wildpferde, positive reinforcement, positive reinforcement training, Zirkuslektionen, Bodenarbeit, Freiheitsdressur, Freiarbeit, Wenn Pferde lächeln, Belohnung, Belohnungslernen
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What is the meaning of RPlus “On tour”?

Conny

The idea behind RPlus is to create something that unites all of us. This includes much more than all the single experiences Marlitt and I had because RPlus can only exist the way it does now if all our two- and four-legged friends, interested persons, and horse enthusiasts find a place to come together. This basic idea is essential but also complex, and so we want to share our genesis story with all our readers. RPlus On tour will take you to the sources of our inspiration; it will invite you to get to know all the places, people, and horses we encounter on this journey… all the influences that leave their traces on this huge screen that bears the name “When horses smile”.

Marlitt

For me, this part of RPlus means freedom and friendship. Conny and I are able to travel together when we visit the horses of this world. We can discover horse behavior, and meet all the people who bring RPlus to life. So, something really big develops from our long-standing friendship that transcends national borders: a community, a huge circle of friends.

Is there a journey that has special significance for RPlus?

Marlitt

For me, it was definitely the journey to Sardinia. Under the shades of cork trees, next to the tiny wild horses, the Cavallini della Giara, we have painted a vision of our common future, we made plans and sorted ideas.

Conny

Not quite. I would rather say that all began in Austria, more precisely in Graz. We were walking through the traffic ridden streets of my hometown, and the basic idea was born.

Marlitt

Right, the RPlus spirit had been born back then. It only needed “some” time of incubation before we started working on it – roughly one year of planning or so.

Conny

Exactly. We developed our idea, and soon felt this kind of euphoria; we had this colorful image of how beautiful it could be. Right back then I knew: This will be something that touches the heart. We took this vibe, and went off to meet the wild horses of Sardinia. Far away from what we knew we were able to let our thoughts run free. A creative process began, and surrounded by Sardinia’s spectacle of nature it felt as if our ideas had grown wings. That was exactly where and when we created the basic structure of RPlus.

What are other places you have visited for RPlus?

Marlitt

Well, there are so many wonderful experiences we had, let me think for a moment. We have been to the mountain pasture Sommeralm with its gorgeous Haflingers, and we have met the impressive Noriker horses in Styria. We have visited the stud farms in Piber and Lipica, and we met the young Lipizzan stallions at the mountain pasture Stubalm. Always in search of horses that are not truly wild but are allowed to live as independently as is possible in this region.

Conny

It is just great to be on tour with Marlitt. We can climb through bushes trying to get a glimpse of wild horses, and I can accompany Marlitt at work with my camera taking pictures, it simply works. For example, this year we have repeatedly been guests at a wonderful seminar community in Switzerland, and I was allowed to participate with my camera in the seminars. Apart from previous years’ journeys to Europe’s wild horses, I especially appreciate the familiar atmosphere that develops within this community. Our on tour experiences are unparalleled because of this special mix of foreign countries, wild horses, and old friends that leaves.

Marlitt

I just remembered that I have also been at the nature reserve Geltinger Birk to observe the Konik horses. What an experience! Wild horses directly next to the Baltic Sea – right here in Germany.

Conny

Yes, I absolutely agree! It is great that we still have the opportunity to see so many populations of wild horses. The Geltinger Birk is great. Yet, I am also fascinated by the encounters I had with the wild horses in Bosnia Herzegovina and in Portugal; horses that are surrounded by magnificent landscapes and that display all their natural behavior. It felt like I was taken back to the beginning. In general, I think it is really special being able to experience horses in their natural environment; be it Portugal’s Garranos, the Camargue’s White horses, or the Konik horses of the north… they all have something special.

What do you plan for the future?

Conny

Quite a lot. We have heard some of Europe’s wild horses call for freedom, and we want to respond, and go visit them. From the perspective of behavioral biology, it is a privilege being able to make such observations, and it totally complements our basic idea of RPlus. Furthermore, from the perspective of positive reinforcement, the philosophy that forms the basis of our idea, we want to venture out into the world to meet the animals and humans out there. We want to exchange experiences, form a network, and get active while transcending national borders. I am equally looking forward to that.

Marlitt

I want to visit more horse-human teams who live the RPlus idea in order to intensively exchange ideas, for mutual inspiration, and to send these impulses out into the world. I am convinced that each and every one has his or her own story, and his or her own approach to horses. I especially appreciate all the observation of people with “special” horses; Horses that often fall between the cracks because they are too old, too sick, have a handicap, or are too peculiar in their behavior to be “of use” in the conventional sense. I think we are able to learn a lot especially from these horses. They can show us what being a horse means in its core. Furthermore, I want to record my seminars, and to capture my courses and speeches, simply, to make the positive RPlus message available to as many persons as possible. And of course, I want to continue travelling to the last more or less wild horses. This brings me back to my calling as behavioral biologist, and allows me to observe and study horses in their natural environment.

So, you are planning on recording your seminars, speeches, and courses?

Marlitt

Right. It is really important for us to have personal contact with human beings who feel a relationship with horses in their hearts. We want to spend as much time as possible with them. And we want to provide all persons who are interested in positive reinforcement with the insight into my work by the means of the videos we create. In a sense, these videos complement the real life seminars, and help to bridge the time between face-to-face encounters. What is more, we are able to include specific topics that would not find much space otherwise.

Conny

We have already started with the implementation; right in the seminar atmosphere in Switzerland where the two- and four-legged friends have become so dear to my heart. I am certain that this appreciating seminar atmosphere offers many more details about the topic of positive reinforcement that are worth being captured on film. Of course, we will also keep travelling to our two- and four-legged photo models who give RPlus a face with their personalities. They all contribute together with us to the growing of our idea. Thank you!

And what about the travel bug? Where are you heading next?

Marlitt

I dream about also visiting the wild horses in Bosnia Herzegovina since Conny has enthusiastically told me about her encounters. Maybe it will happen soon. And I am looking forward to comparing their behavior to the behavior of Sardinia’s wild horses.

Conny

Yes, there is no stopping when I start running wild, and Marlitt has been “invited” to listen to some of these rhapsodies. So basically, this is a part of the process of mutual inspiration, and I think it is surprising how creative we can become when the time has come. Then, an idea falls on fertile ground, and we decide to venture out on a new adventure. If my camping van owns up to its name Falkor, we will definitely find the horses. It has always been like that, and these are wonderful prospects.

Marlitt Wendt & Conny Ranz

AUTHOR: Conny & Marlitt