Thoughtful Horse Training

Horse training is a state of mind rather than a combination of exercises. It involves being able to think, observe, and problem solve in order to obtain good feelings and results. A lot of people step into the round pen with a horse and either aren’t sure what they’re going to do, or are dead set on what exercise needs to be done. This is very common for horse people and is often what leads to mimicking a result, rather than developing a feel.

When you go to have a session with your horse I encourage you to think of some thing small that you want to help your horse with. Visualize what it would look and feel like when the change happens. Then try something to work towards the change. If that works partially think of how you could modify your approach. This could be a subtle difference, or it could require a whole new approach to achieve the same outcome.

Photo: Smoke is very skeptical of being caught. He positions his body in a way that makes it challenging for a human to approach him. I decided to have some fun by luring him into the round pen with one of his favorite herd mates who does well at liberty. My only goal was to get him to stop moving, look at me with both eyes, and to eventually pet him without him fleeing, or tensing up like a rock.

Just the motion of doing a little something until he squared up with both eyes made a huge change. Creating this place between us was something that he was able to come back to when he got lost. I was also able to change my approach by placing my hand under his jowl to help him soften instead of over the bridge of his nose. These small modifications in my approach made a huge difference with regards to how he felt and carried himself when the session was over. I can’t wait for the day when I can draw him to me, or walk up and pet him without fleeing and tension. The feelings that cause this issue matter immensely and play a huge role in the outcome of a horses life.