Horse training is an investment. To make the most of that investment, the following tips will will help you maintain your horse’s training. The tips are easy to understand, but not necessarily easy to do on a consistent basis.
- Understand that to change your horse’s behavior, you first must change your behavior.
- Every time a handler interacts with your horse, they are either training him to be better or worse. Choose your handler’s carefully or train them accordingly.
- Maintain your personal space at all times.
- Horses learn from the release of pressure. Always use the least amount of pressure required to get the job done.
- Never release the pressure too early and only release when the horse gives you the correct answer.
- Never continue the pressure after the horse has given you the correct answer.
- Make your horse a promise. If you ask him to do something, he must do it or you promise to escalate the pressure until the job is done.
- Always set your horse up for success. Ask yourself, “Is there a 90% chance of him succeeding?”
- No excuses. Do not make excuses for your horse’s behavior.
- Success is just around the corner. Don’t give up.