Same here. Break things down into litle steps. Create a lesson plan so you know what you want to do. Remember they have a 3-second attention span. If you don’t give them short pauses, however, they can get very confused and annoyed. If they are having problems, stop this step and go back to something they can do reasonably well and start over. Always stop in a good place. Think about what you think he is learning. I’ve been watching a couple of young kids doing “trot work.” The instructors are actually doing pony rides. The instructor has a longe whip to keep the horse moving. The horses are on a longe line while the rider bounces around on the saddle. Think about it.
I watched peerless rider/trainer Linda Parelli teach a woman’s horse to canter in the Colosseum at Equine Affaire. Actually the horse already knew how to canter. They all do. What Linda accomplished: Run one-and-a-half loops around a circle at the end of the longe line. Turn left when she yanks on the line. Head for the center of the circle (Linda) running or trotting - Horse decides. Halt somewhere. He was looking really good with his head way up in the air. Whites of his eyes stood out. I managed to watched 10 reps, then said bye to my friends and left.
I tell people I try not to exceed 15-30 seconds of formal training daily. Do everything the same way every time you do it. Love on them and say good boy/girl when they are doing what you like or want. Standing still in crossties, for example. Ignore everying else unless it could be dangerous like biting or kicking. .They will figure out what to do if you back off, calm down, and let them think. My horse figured out all sorts of things. I pulled out his 4-knot rope halter for hand grazing. I have nerve damage in my right arm. He knows that. I was fumbling around getting it over his head and knotted correctly. He didn’t like it. I walked in the stall one day and I wasn’t having a problem. Then I spotted his handsome head right smack where it needed to be. In front of me, shoulder level. He taught me a lot of things over the years. People said it was because we were together for 21 years. That’s not it. For 21 years I tried to remain calm and tell him he’s a good boy. Never yelled at him Ignore what you don’t want. Pay attention. You can learn things from them.
Scribbler hit the nail on the head. I was looking around for a new barn after 20 years because the BO wasn’t taking care of him. Not enough hay for starters. Looked like long-term effects of a stroke when she was 39. He was 27, I was 73. He was on pasture board and retiring as Alpha. He needed a lot of coaxing to turnout. One Thursday evening in November 2020 we were at the gate. It was dark. He stood there. A very clear voice inside me said “I don’t want to go out there anymore. Why are you making me do this?” Called our retired vet who gave me contact info for the perfect farm. We moved on Monday. I had to put him down in July but we had the best 18 months, all of it on the ground except the century ride. When you back off and stay calm, their personality, what they have inside, what makes them unique indviduals will emerge.
I am rereading Mark Raschid’s latest book, " For the Love of the Horse." I didn’t pay enough attention the first time. Somebody told me to do that. Who???
Zeke’s buddy Speckles, their last ride.
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