I am an avid student of horsemanship and try to learn as much as possible. In this segment of my webpage, I will share some of the things I have learned and how I incorporate them in my training program. These thoughts and ideas are just a few things I keep in mind on a daily basis as I work with my horses.
When I am working with horses, I always try to be considerate of their feelings, understand what's going on inside their head, and have an idea what their thoughts might be.
Listen to what your horses are telling you. By this I mean, pay attention to what your horses' actions are. They will tell you a lot just through their actions and demeanor.
Progress as your horses are ready, not when you are ready to move on. Always try to keep them in a learning frame of mind.
Set your horses up for success by introducing them to new things. This will help keep them motivated and willing to learn.
Give your horses a job to do. I try to give my horses a job every chance I get. The more you expose them to, the more confident they will become. Offer them a good deal and keep them safe and out of harm. The more you show them and keep them out of trouble, the more confidence they will develop in you as a leader. I believe horses find a lot of comfort in knowing you are a good leader and have their best interests in mind. I try to get my colts out of the arena as quick as possible and show them something new. Taking them out and giving them a job to do gives them a reason to stop hard and turn fast. A few of the jobs I give my horses are using them to wrangle, work cattle, and rope off of them. Make sure to handle your reins and ride your horse consistent with how you would when you are just riding.
Ride your horses with feel. Be aware where their feet are and what their feet are doing at all times. Keep your horses feeling for you and listening to you while you feel for and listen to them. Feel, timing, and balance are all critical aspects of horsemanship.
When you earn your horses' trust, they will be willing to please you and do most anything you ask of them. They listen to you because you have made good decisions for them and showed them a good deal. If your horses feel like you have their best interests in mind and have confidence in you, they will be very willing to please you and do what you ask. I believe horses want to get along with you, but it's your job to arrange things so they understand what your expectations are.
When I am working with horses, I always try to be considerate of their feelings, understand what's going on inside their head, and have an idea what their thoughts might be.
Listen to what your horses are telling you. By this I mean, pay attention to what your horses' actions are. They will tell you a lot just through their actions and demeanor.
Progress as your horses are ready, not when you are ready to move on. Always try to keep them in a learning frame of mind.
Set your horses up for success by introducing them to new things. This will help keep them motivated and willing to learn.
Give your horses a job to do. I try to give my horses a job every chance I get. The more you expose them to, the more confident they will become. Offer them a good deal and keep them safe and out of harm. The more you show them and keep them out of trouble, the more confidence they will develop in you as a leader. I believe horses find a lot of comfort in knowing you are a good leader and have their best interests in mind. I try to get my colts out of the arena as quick as possible and show them something new. Taking them out and giving them a job to do gives them a reason to stop hard and turn fast. A few of the jobs I give my horses are using them to wrangle, work cattle, and rope off of them. Make sure to handle your reins and ride your horse consistent with how you would when you are just riding.
Ride your horses with feel. Be aware where their feet are and what their feet are doing at all times. Keep your horses feeling for you and listening to you while you feel for and listen to them. Feel, timing, and balance are all critical aspects of horsemanship.
When you earn your horses' trust, they will be willing to please you and do most anything you ask of them. They listen to you because you have made good decisions for them and showed them a good deal. If your horses feel like you have their best interests in mind and have confidence in you, they will be very willing to please you and do what you ask. I believe horses want to get along with you, but it's your job to arrange things so they understand what your expectations are.
Horse Training from Start to Finish
Philosophy
