Each horse is different in how it learns and how it reacts to
outside stimuli. Certain methods of horse training may apply to
some horses, but it does not mean that it will be effective to
all breeds of horse.
To start horse training you must develop a communication system
with the horse. This might take time. In the same way as
children may not fully grasp the idea of things at an instant,
baby horses in training may not get every pressure, pat or way
of holding the reins at once.
When you apply a certain pressure, you expect a certain
response. During horse training, you must make the horse
understand that a certain pressure should elicit a corresponding
response. We don't expect full compliance in the beginning, but
as time goes by, these actions will be part of the horse's
vocabulary.
Throughout the course of the horse training, one by one these
actions will be added to his vocabulary. But these actions
should still be broken down into minute details that the horse
can take in one at a time. Learn how to pace with each
individual horse. Training is something that should be done
slowly and surely.
You must also learn how to "speak" to your horse in a way that
it will be able to comprehend. This manner of speaking would
mean fewer words and more body language.
Horses are herd animals. They learn well by imitating the
leaders of the herd. You should be that "leader" your horse will
follow. Patience is a key in training your horses.
You must also take into consideration that no one, animal or
human, learns well when under stress. You should not force
lessons into your horse during horse training. They don't
appreciate the yelling and whipping, especially if they do not
know what all the harshness is for. Unlike humans who can speak
their minds, horses resort to more physical responses. And you
certainly wouldn't want your horse to whirl, kick, strike and do
out of hand movements.
You must create an environment wherein the horse can learn on
its own, aside from the horse training that you give it. It is
also important to see the difference between having been able to
teach the horse something and it just accepting it. If a horse
is relaxed when you do something, this does not necessarily mean
that it is trained. This might just mean to it as another thing
a human being normally does. Resistance at first is needed in
order to see that the horse recognizes that something new is
being taught to him.
The horse's daily training routine should not be based on a set
of particular things you want to teach to the horse. It should
be based on how your horse reacts to your actions. Don't teach
something new to it without reviewing what it already knows.
Most importantly - don't force your horse to go on horse
training if it doesn't feel well. A good routine does not only
maintain the horse's attention level, but also its comfort
level.
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