Horse Problems- "What should I focus on next with my horse?"

I frequently hear this question or am asked by students or other equine enthusiasts struggling with having a goal, direction, or unsure of what to focus on during their horse time... the answer is always the same, "Refinement." Irrelevant of if you ride for pleasure or are competitive (or if you only work with your horse from the ground,) every interaction is Opportunity for improving your and the horse's skills.

Unexpected or "All of a sudden" Horse Behaviors

 I find 95% of folks misuse a round pen, whether under the guise of "exercising," lunging or teaching the horse conditioned responses.

Let's use the example of learning to face the human and be caught. So many of the videos and real life scenarios I see of folks "working" the horse in the round pen, whether they are a professional or not, are incessantly "driving" the horse's movement with flags, whips, sticks, ropes, etc.

Horse Behavior Problems

 

Humans rarely acknowledge or take a moment to step back and assess all the potential ways their communication with the horse has continuously taught the animal to be defensive and distrustful. Then they get upset when the horse can no longer comply.

It should not be seen as "normal" for the horse to display any of the behaviors above.

Quality Horsemanship is a skill that must be learned, practiced, and refined- continuously.

Understanding horse behavior is a skill. As is being able to adapt in the moment to addressing and helping the individual horse.

Following some random pre-designed "Horsemanship" step 1, 2, 3 "program" or method doesn't mean there human or horse has increased clarity or quality in the interaction if there is no common language (or are fear based interactions.)

If you don't understand how to translate the horse's unwanted behaviors by breaking them down to discover the root source(s) of his concern, how could you help him work through them?

May Alternative Horsemanship™ Livestream Schedule

 

Learn more and Register HERE

Horse Rider Tips: Improving Balance

 Horse Rider Balance

Many times folks don't realize that they are sitting crooked in the saddle. If they are off-center, they tend unintentionally to "grip" or create a brace on the side that they are less connected with the horse. This lack of centered-ness affects the communication, timing, effectiveness of an aid, and the quality of the ride.

"What should I focus on next with my horse?"

I frequently hear this question or am asked by students or other equine enthusiasts struggling with having a goal, direction, or unsure of what to focus on during their horse time... the answer is always the same, "Refinement." Irrelevant of if you ride for pleasure or are competitive (or if you only work with your horse from the ground,) every interaction is Opportunity for improving your and the horse's skills.

Horse behavior- Recognizing the Freeze Response

 

Can you recognize the Horse's Freeze response?
Check out the Remote Horse Coach video catalog to learn more about equine behavior.

Horse Skills- Common Missing Tool

 

"Following a Feel"

Those words had no value to me in my initial years of riding (groundwork was nonexistent.) I interacted with the horse offering unintentional, continuous tension- on the lead rope, on the rein, in my leg, etc. There was never a pause, time for mental processing, recognizing separating directing the thought from movement, adaptability in my aids or any conscious release of pressure towards the horse (other than during a jump.)

PC Jen Landis