Training of horses

Training of horses.
This page was last updated: 2004-02-27
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A few thoughts about horse training...

don't know why... But it seems to me that many riders - even experienced and successful riders are handling their horses as if they are unable of moving by themselves, or more precisely as if the horses need to be moved by the rider/handler rather than being able to move themselves according to the signals they get from their human "bodies"...

Imagine a dog agility course.... The man/woman trying to drive the dog around by touching its but before every obstacle... Or having to push the dog from behind for each step to get the dog to move... Well, though it might be quite a funny picture, it isn't very realistic now, is it? First, it would be clear to anyone that dogs that were forced to race the course this way, would not be doing their very best... And further, it would be obvious that the pushing and hitting would make the dog loose its balance, and so also be more likely to loose speed and maybe even miss a few obstacles. Every agility-handler would tell you that agility is a question about the handler working together with the dog, motivating the dog to do what the handler wants it to by using some sort of positive reinforcement.

Then, why is it that if you are spectator to a show jumping class at almost any level, you will see riders that are driving their horses over the obstacles by kicking with their legs (incl. spurs), wipes, voices, by pulling the heads of the horses (does that make balancing easier for the horse?) with the reins, sometimes also using their seats excessively... Now, why is it that it is almost obvious to us that you will not reach your goals with an agility dog by the use of physical force, but will have far better results by the use of motivation and positive reinforcement... But most people think it is not only alright but also the "only possible way" to reach their goals to use both force and violence in the daily "communication" with their horses?

My idea of horse training is about
1) getting the horse to respect me as its leader ("alpha")
2) establishing a relationship with the horse based on trust and respect
3) based on this respect and trust, the horse will do what I ask of her - if only I am able to make her understand, what it is I want her to do, so the next step in my training will be to try to create a mutual "language" to communicate my wishes to the horse by teaching the horse, what my different signals to the horse mean.

That is basically it...!

Most of above elements are founded in the daily handling of the horse - establishing leadership and a trustful relationship can be quite easily done during the daily routines - also by younger horses. Some of the elements might have to be reinforced again, when the actually training starts (basic groundwork is always the foundation for riding, no matter what "style"), and again when the horse is started under saddle.
As means of communication, I primarily use my bodylanguage incl. "positioning" to the horse, but also my voice is very important. When actually riding, the most important communication "tool" between me and the horse is my seat, as this is where I have the closest contact to the horse, and so am able to refine my communication the most. Of course I also use my legs and the reins, not to kick or pull, but to further refine my signals to the horse... Because this is, what it is all about... Signalising to the horse, what I want her to do, rather than trying to force her to do it... Being a friendly and social animal, the horses will mostly want to work for us, if only we treat them properly - and give them proper time to lean our communication, and what we expect them to do....

And - as our relationship is based on mutual trust and respect, it is of course also vital that I respect the moods of my horse... If she has a bad day, it is probably not the right time to introduce a complicated new exercise, showing her respect would then mean that I either let her have a day off - or maybe decide to go for a ride in the countryside instead of the dressage lesson that was originally planned.

For more specific guidance to communicate with horses, using bodylanguage and positioning, there are several recommendable books available. My favourite is the "Bodylanguage by Fredinand Hempfling", but also Bob Mayhew's "The Art of Western Riding" - and several other primarily in the line of Classical Dressage or Western Rriding give excellent instructions in the use of friendly and humane ways of handling our horses.

Try it out yourself.... You will be amazed to see the difference in your horse, as your relationship changes from the common "rider in command, horse has to obey" approach into a more respectful and co-operating relationship based on trust.... And you will find your horse starts working with you, rather than working for you.... It is a wonderful feeling, I can assure you......

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