- Give your horse what he needs so he can give you what you want.
Confident Horsemanship = A Happy Horse & Rider - Training takes as long as it takes. Let go of your personal deadlines. Never rush your horse.
- Communicate clearly and concisely and in a way that makes sense to your horse.
- Stay in the moment and be observant of your horse’s response; your environment and your body language.
- Start small and build up – use the lightest amount of energy required; break things down to the smallest step.
- Light hands close slowly and open quickly … and they never, ever pull or jerk.
- As soon as your horse responds, stop asking.
- Always stay in the moment with your horse. Be pro-active rather than reactive
- Have calm confidence – leave your emotions and your ego at the farm gate.
- Know when to walk away. Find a good note to end on even if you have to go back to something simple. (Goes along with Principle #9).
The photo is of Tracey and her horse, Sorcerer, during the 3 day clinic at Hobby Horse Farm in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia last month. This is what it’s all about.
Post your comments and questions below. What are your horse training principles?
