How you go about doing a task means much more than just getting the task done. Sometimes I see people get so over focused on getting a task done, they forget about the lesson in the task. Try breaking your task down into smaller steps to help your horse understand what you want and you …
If you never give your horse a choice, they never get the chance to choose to be with you. It’s a wonderful feeling when you take the halter and lead rope off your horse and he chooses to stay with you….It can be heartbreaking if they choose to leave….but then if they decide to come …
It is the release that teaches the horse and it is the offer that gives them the choice. Giving your horse the chance to make a decision in everything you ask him to do will exercise the logical part of his brain, creating a calm, thinking horse. Make sure you are giving your horse clear …
The one who does the least amount of work is the one who is in charge. Our horses are very good at making it look like they are doing what we are asking of them, but if you find that you are doing more work than your horse to get the task done, then it …
Make sure your horse is going forward in their downward transitions A horse going freely forward is just as important as a horse that easily stops. Make sure your horse is thinking about going forward rather than stopping after each downward transition to help your horse keep his weight back and give you those nice …
Our horses can be very good at re-positioning us. Try using a marker on the ground when handling your horse to help you keep track of where you are and see who is moving who.
Never accept your horse walking off whilst you are mounting or dismounting. Wait for him to stand still and give you permission first.
Your horse will always know where the way out is and will be drawn to the gateways. Avoid saddling, feeding or resting in or near gateways so that your horse doesn’t find more comfort than they need there.
The way you leave your horse in the paddock will be the way he remembers you when you go to catch him the next day. Make sure it is you that leaves your horse rather than your horse leaving you.
If you want your horse to respect your fences (and avoid injury or escapes!) make sure you keep your feed in the middle of your paddock or yard – or away from the fence. Feeding your horse on the fence runs the risk of your horse learning to disrespect and lean on it.
