Treats or no treats

Training Tip of the Week: Treats should be a surprise for your horse

By Clinton Anderson18. December 2012 00:05

I often get asked if feeding treats will cause a horse to become pushy or to bite. The answer is it depends. Feeding your horse treats won’t teach him to be mouthy as long as you give him treats correctly. Never give your horse a treat if he’s looking for it. When I give my horses a treat, I want it to be a surprise. I don’t use treats to bribe the horse or win his affection. Treats are just a bonus for a job well-done. A treat should always be a surprise. If you constantly feed your horse treats, he’ll be looking for them, and that’s when he’ll start mouthing your shirt, pockets and hands. When you give your horse treats, feed him one at a time, and only give them when he’s not expecting it. If he is looking for a treat, he doesn’t get one

www.downunderhorsemanship.com

People ask me all the time why I don't give more treats. Clinton says it perfectly here. I want them to know that when they get a treat they did something really well.  Just like with a child.

Loretta

www.2020horsemanship.com

clear communication

visible results

How sitting affects the horse

Communicate with your Horse through your Seat Position

“Your seat is your greatest aid in communicating with your horse,” says two-time Road to the Horse Champion and popular clinician Chris Cox of Mineral Wells, Texas. “Using your seat effectively can keep you from overusing your reins.

“As you begin refining your horsemanship, your first cue—whether you’re stopping, slowing or turning your horse—always should come from your seat, and then travel down and through your legs. Your hands should always give the lightest of your cues.”

As you fine-tune your seat position, keep your shoulders square and in line with your horse’s shoulders. Avoid unconsciously twisting your shoulders to one side, which puts you off balance. Remove items from your back pockets, which can also offset your balance. Breathe deeply and evenly to enhance your balance and stability.

Front-to-Back Positions

Your seat position influences your balance in the saddle; balance leads to control you can find your natural balance through proper seat position. You send your horse different messages. Depending on where you sit in the saddle from front-to-back.

Seat position #1:Slide forward so you sit toward the front of the saddle. This position frees your horse’s hindquarters

SEAT POSITION #2 JOHN BRASSEAUX PHOTOS

and encourages fast, forward movement.

Seat position #2: Sit in the center of the saddle seat upright on your seat bones, not rocked back on your pockets. This is how you should ride when you aren’t asking your horse for a change in pace or direction. Think “cruise control.”

Seat position #3: Simply move off your seat bones and roll your behind against the cantle so you’re sitting on your back pockets. Use this position only to stop or back your horse. As soon as

SEAT POSITION #3 JOHN BRASSEAUX PHOTOS

he responds, roll up to seat position #2, onto your seat bones. (If you stay in this position, you’ll irritate your horse’s kidneys and loin.)

Side-to-Side Positions

There are also three side-to-side seat positions: (1) centered; (2) weight on the left; (3) weight on the right. Ride in the centered position most of the time. To cue your horse to sidepass to the left, sit centered front-to-back in seat position #2, but put more weight on your right seat bone to “push” your horse left. To sidepass to the right, put more weight on your left seat bone.

Stay in Rhythm

As you ride, actively move your hips in a forward-and-back rhythm with your horse’s motion. Allow your lower back to roll slightly, and keep your upper body still.

Pick up a slow jog to see whether you’re moving in sync with your horse’s rhythmic motion. Don’t stiffen your back; keep it loose! Let your hips move in rhythm and absorb the shock.

from Loretta:

I LOVE that a well known western rider/trainer describes use of the seat this way.  It is THE SAME for English riding.  :)

from myhorse.com

Loretta

the natural horseman

www.2020horsemanship.com

What Does it Mean to "Ride Forward"? (Current freebie!) - My Virtual Eventing Coach

What Does it Mean to "Ride Forward"? (Current freebie!) - My Virtual Eventing Coach:




'via Blog this'

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Jumper Show results

I am so excited to announce the results of the Jumper Show today!

Alyssa and Astro won
1st
2nd
1st

And they were Reserve Champion!

Confetti and I won:
5th
3rd
1st
1st

Winning us the Championship Ribbon!

GENTLE GIANTS DRAFT HORSE RESCUE SOCIETY LTD

GENTLE GIANTS DRAFT HORSE RESCUE SOCIETY LTD

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

A' kickin' and a'pullin'

A Kickin' and a Pullin'

by Julie Goodnight

I've been working with horses and riders for almost 30 years now-- teaching people to ride better and have a greater understanding of their horses. Periodically I try to calculate the numbers of horses I've worked with and it's well into the thousands-- I'm shooting for more than 10,000 before I retire. I figure by then, I'll really know something.

 In every clinic I've ever done, I've worked with riders that are pulling on the horse's mouth at the same time they are kicking the horse forward. Some riders pull all the time no matter what the horse is doing. I don't think that any trainers or instructors are surprised to hear this-- we see it all the time from the middle of the arena-- but I think that most nonpro riders would be surprised at the frequency with which this occurs. Sadly, most riders are totally unaware that they are doing it. But their horse is not.

Technically speaking, a "rein of opposition" occurs anytime the rider pulls backward on a rein because the rein aid is in direct opposition to the horse's forward movement, like with the direct rein. (more about rein aids here,http://juliegoodnight.com/questionsNew.php?id=26 ) It's a very simple concept to understand but a huge challenge to many riders. There are times when you want to inhibit forward movement, like when you are stopping or turning hard. But most of the time, you want the horse to move freely forward without restriction-- like when you are crossing a creek, jumping a fence, coming out of a roll back or even executing a simple canter departure.

Usually, riders have no idea they are even pulling on the reins at the same time they are asking the horse to go more forward. Sometimes it's from a lack of coordination (every time the rider kicks, she reflexively pulls on the reins), sometimes it's caused by fear (a white-knuckle grip on the reins and a fetal position), sometimes it's because the rider is a control freak and over-uses her hands (micro-managing every step of the horse). I call it greedy hands versus giving hands. Greedy hands are always taking away rein. A horse loves the rider that has giving hands- always reaching for the mouth, stretching forward with every stride.

 

The result of greedy hands is an unhappy horse that becomes frustrated and may act out with undesirable behaviors-- his temperament will dictate his response. A horse that is insensitive and lazy (those qualities often go together) will usually default to stopping, slowing down and constantly breaking gait when he gets a conflicting signal  like kicking and pulling. The rider is telling him to go and stop at the same time and since his preference is to stop, he'll usually default to that. Usually these horses will start leaning on the reins and rooting the reins and get very stiff and bracey in their necks. This is considered a "fault" in the horse yet it is almost always caused by the faults of the rider (and often exacerbated by an inappropriate bit). Although these are annoying habits that the lazy horse develops from too much pulling, they are not too scary.   (Think Lily here)

The result of greedy hands on a hotter, or more sensitive horse that is eager to move forward, can be much more of a challenge. Often the problem is worse in a hotter horse because the rider has more concerns of the horse going too fast so she tends to hold the reins even tighter than she would on a lazy horse. Because the horse is more sensitive to both the go cue and the inadvertent stop cue, the conflicting signal is much more frustrating and melt-downs can happen quickly. Since this type of horse is more eager to move forward, his default behavior when given conflicting signals is to speed up. And here's the part that most riders cannot comprehend-- that the more you pull, the faster the horse will go because horses are hard-wired to run away from things that cause them anxiety and discomfort.

Sadly, the worst mistake you can make with a horse like this is the one that many people default to-- they use a stronger bit but do not change their riding habits (or ever consider that it may be something they are doing that is causing the problem). With a hot horse that is too fast, changing to a stronger bit almost always makes them worse. Usually a milder bit makes them better because going to a stronger bit increases the anxiety in the horse and anxious horses go faster—that’s the flight response. Reducing the anxiety with a  milder bit will usually calm and therefore slow down this type of horse.

If you recognize any of these problems, either in your own horse or horses and riders that you may have occasion to work with, there are a few things you can do to improve riding skills and thus help the horse out of his dilemma. First and foremost, the rider should work on exercises that improve balance on the horse without the use of the hands. One of my favorite exercises is riding in the standing or two-point position with your hands behind your back (in a confined area with reins secured) while the horse walks. Later, as your balance improves, practice at the trot and canter. Volume 3 in my DVD series on riding is called Perfect Practice and it shows this and many other balance exercises; there is also a handy pocket guide to take to the arena. http://shopping.juliegoodnight.com/Goodnights-Principles-of-Riding-vol-3-Perfect-Practice-GPRV3DVD.htm  

 

Riding with your hands behind your back not only improves balance, but also helps develop an independent hand and the confidence to know your horse will remain obedient, even wihtout the reins in your hands. There are many great exercises in the video and arena guide that help with balance, riding without the reins and cueing with your seat and legs.

Stressing the points of keeping the hands in proper position, with a straight line from the rider's elbow to the mouth and the hands ALWAYS in front of the pommel will help the rider and the horse. Riding is a constant process of shortening and lengthening reins, depending on what your horse is doing or what you are asking. When the horse relaxes and lowers his head, the reins should be loosened; when he lifts his head or before you ask him to do something, the reins should be shortened.

 

The types of reins you use can make shortening and lengthening easier or harder. A closed-loop rope rein or an English rein is easier; split reins are the hardest to shorten and lengthen. The reins I designed are a heavy closed-loop rope rein, specifically designed for ease of use. http://shopping.juliegoodnight.com/Goodnights-Rope-Reins-JGReins.htm

For fearful riders that are tense and clenching on the reins, getting them to sit well back with shoulders over the hips; relax their back, shoulders, arms and hands; and breathe deeply are the first steps. Three important skills will help the fearful rider-- keep your eyes focused and looking around taking in information in your environment; deep abdominal breathing; and using confident body language even when you don’t feel that way. I've written a lot about building confidence in my Training Library, http://juliegoodnight.com/q&a.php, and I have an inspirational audio recording called Building Confidence with Horses, that is available in a CD or by download.http://shopping.juliegoodnight.com/Building-Confidence-with-Horses-BYC.htm

Finally, making the rider aware of when she is inadvertently pulling on the reins or micro-managing the horse and the negative effects it has on the horse, will go a long way toward helping the situation. In my clinics, I usually have riders loosen their reins then place their hands down on the neck or saddle pad in order to work on the horse’s responsiveness and obedience without the rider constantly interfering with the reins.

 

At first, the riders become aware of how obedient their horse actually is—some are constantly veering off the rail or changing direction or speed. With a few corrections, then going back to the hands down on the neck, the horse becomes responsible for his own actions. Next, we start working on turns and stops without picking up the hands off the neck, so the rider learns to cue the horse with her body and not with excessive use of the reins. Horses love this stuff and usually are more obedient and willing when less reins are used.

 

To me, the ultimate challenge for both horse and rider is to ride bridle-less. Getting your horse so obedient that he never challenges your cues for direction or speed and getting him so responsive to your seat and legs that you do not need the reins any longer is satisfying beyond words. To learn more about my training progression to attain these goals, visit http://www.juliegoodnight.com/bridleless/

Enjoy the ride,

Julie

Please visit Goodnight's sites for more information and training tips: http://www.juliegoodnight.com http://www.horsemaster.tv

Oct 15, 2012 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to all of our new students!  Please read the entire newsletter, a lot is going on and we don't want you to miss anything. Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship New Students Welcome to: Erin Jennifer Emily Julia Kyla Mark Jackie Liam Cadie Teresa Lizzie If you are a veteran and see an unfamiliar face, please introduce yourself! Upcoming Events Calendar items Bianca & Kaitlin at Oct. 6 show We will be at a JUMPER SHOW on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 27.  There will be no lessons before noon that day.  Please come out to Frying Pan Park to cheer us on! We will be at the Frying Pan Hunter Show on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012.  There will be no lessons held that day. If you are interested in joining our show team, please notify Loretta or Liz.  All are welcome to come out and watch the show.  If you are interested in showing it is highly recommended that you attend to get an idea of what goes on. Openings Sun. 10/21 @ 9am, 10am Tues. 10/23 @ 3pm Wed. 10/24 @5pm Fri. 10/26 @ 2:30pm Mon. 11/5 @ 9am, 11am, 12pm General Info/Reminders Please do not park on grass if it is wet. Many students have gotten stuck and I've spent their lesson getting them out.  Yes, I still get paid for that. :) If you pull in the driveway, please BACK OUT.  The driveway setup leaves no room for turning around and going off the edge simply crumbles the edge of my driveway. Please check lost and found. It is getting big! If you are late, your lesson ends on its scheduled time. If we are running late your lesson will still be one hour. If you are a pay-as-you-go client, please leave me a check for a one lesson deposit.  This will applied to your last lesson, or used in the case of a no-show-It HOLDS your weekly spot for you. Please use the restroom before arriving.  This is my private residence. Although I used to allow people to use the restroom, it is getting a bit out of hand. Some lessons have more riding time than others.  This varies in reasons, some of which include:  horse needs more time on ground do to spooky behavior, a tack malfunction, an extra dirty horse, learning additional unmounted techniques, just to name a few.  This is all part of learning HORSEMANSHIP.   Would you be interested in? A bring a friend day? A parent/child day? A special class for parents only? An evening meditation with the horses? Joining our Naturally Safe Horsemanship Program? Joining our Asst. Trainer Program? Please give me feedback and ask questions about these items! Thank you. About Us  Did you know?  Loretta started riding ponies at age 5.  Her neighbor had one pony.  He also took care of the Budweiser Clydesdales and would occasionally take Loretta with him.  Do you think that is way she likes big horses like Scottie?

Loretta
 the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Alyssa and Astro practice for show

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Astro schooling jumpers

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Riders 4 Helmets

In Memoriam: Cheryl Strong-Camilleri

Loretta
the natural horseman 
clear communication/visible results

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Endurance Riding

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Endurance Riding:

Approximate Speeds of Gaits:

Gait	Small Pony	Large Pony	Horse
Walk	3 mph	3.5mph	3.7 to 4 mph
Slow Trot	4 mph	4.5 mph	5 mph
Medium Trot	5-6 mph	6-7.5 mph	6-8 mph
Fast Trot	6-7 mph	7.5-10 mph	9-11 mph
Canter	8-9 mph	10-14 mph	12-15 mph
Hand Gallop	12 mph	14-22 mph	15-25 mph

Today we did 7.13 miles in 1 hour 47 minutes. Our avg speed was 4mph with Confetti's max speed being 20 mph.  My medium pony can gallop with the big boys!

'via Blog this'

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Equestrians MUST stay (or get) fit!

Core strength is the biggest key phrase when discussing balance. After all, isn’t that what we are doing? Balancing on top of giant beasts? Are we crazy? It is a beautiful thing to move as one with your horse, and at the heart of that movement is your core: the abdominal, chest and back muscles that stabilize the upper body. Of course, by no means do I want to undermine the ability of some riders with pure talent. However, while these top riders simply know that their core muscles are at work during a ride, they may not be as conscious about them as the rest of us need to be.

Performing exercises such as planking or Pilates can enhance core strength and posture and give you the essential tools to improve balance on the horse or the ground.

Hopefully, as a rider, you realize that this sport requires a certain level of fitness, regardless of talent. Riders need to be fit to stay on and fit to fall.

– Emily J Harrington, CPT, equestrienne fitness trainer, is a multiple AQHA world champion and top-10 World Show finisher. Visit her website, www.bodybalancefitness.org.

Loretta the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Vertical line connecting ear-shoulder-hip-heel

'First of all, the rider’s position is paramount. There should be a vertical line from the ear to the hip and down to the heel. Another line should extend from the elbow through the hands and on to the horse’s mouth. This position doesn’t change (although the rein and stirrup length might), whether you’re riding western, English or dressage.'

I love this!

Taken from the article on America's Horse Daily.





Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

A Closer Look at Dressage: Part 1 of 2 – America’s Horse Daily

A Closer Look at Dressage: Part 1 of 2 – America’s Horse Daily

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

JPR

So excited!  

10 mile Judged Pleasure Ride with Confetti and My best bus Cara and Austin on Sunday!





Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Horse quotes

From about.horses.com


Winston Churchill
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

Robert Smith Surtees
There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.

Nicholas Evans
It's a lot like nuts and bolts. If the rider's nuts, the horse bolts!

Mark Twain
I can always tell which is the front end of a horse, but beyond that, my art is not above the ordinary.

Pam Brown
A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.

Abraham Lincoln
I can make a General in five minutes but a good horse is hard to replace.

Dale Carnegie
Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.

Groucho Marx
I would horsewhip you if I had a horse.

W. C. Fields
Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion.

R. Graham
God forbid that I should go to a Heaven in which there are no horses.

William Shakespeare
He doth nothing but talk of his horses.

Sir Walter Scott
Dear to me is my bonnie white steed; Oft has he helped me at pinch of need.

Katie Crozier
Galloping smoothly across the lush green grass, my heart rides through life itself on the back of a horse.

Nilolai Gogol
Steeds, steeds, what steeds! Has the whirlwind a home in your manes?

Ian Fleming
A horse is dangerous at both ends and uncomfortable in the middle.

Helen Thomson
In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.

Beryl Markham
A lovely horse is always an experience. It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.

Josephine Demott Robinson
Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world.
Winston Churchill
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.

My favorites are highlighted in purple, with my 2 very favorites in bold.  What are your favorite horse sayings?






Loretta 
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Breathing can improve your riding

We constantly strive to build a deeper connection with our horses. We know that if we do, we'll build a relationship of trust and understanding with our horses, so that our riding and training achieves a greater state of balance and harmony.

Jenny Rolfe, author of Breathe Life into Your Riding, has accomplished just this. In her book, she provides exercises to release tightness in your body created by tension. Her teaching will help you not only to ride in good posture and balance, but also cultivate a deep sense of connection and feel.

Learn more from Jenny Rolfe from this article featured in Dressage Today magazine:

Years ago, I wish I had understood the power of core breathing to enhance a deep connection with the horse. Everyone who becomes successful as an athlete, dancer, singer or martial artist has understood how to master breathing techniques to enhance their performance. Core breathing is an extremely potent tool that can help us connect with our horse. The power of less stimulation will quickly create a more sensitive response. Our calm, focused state of mind will help us to communicate with more awareness and perception. The horse is an extremely sensitive herd animal, so we can use this trait to gain more subtle communication. The language of the horse is to be constantly aware of changes in body language, tension and breathing.

Correct core breathing is similar to filling a glass of water from bottom to top. Once the glass is full, you empty it from top to bottom. This is similar to our pattern of breathing. The outward breath releases through our upper torso and flows down into our core. In this way, balance and energy flow can be controlled by our breathing. Try this exercise, which demonstrates how core breathing can create more energy: Pick up a ball and throw it to a partner with no focus at all on your breathing. Then as you prepare to throw the ball again, take a deep inward breath. As you release and throw the ball, exhale strongly and direct the energy toward your hand. As you direct the energy from your breath into your arm, the ball will be thrown with much more intense power and speed.

In much the same way, our breathing can influence a sensitive horse. Here are some examples: To ride an upward walk–trot–walk transition (forward and in an energetic rhythm), prepare by taking a deep, inward breath. Exhale strongly, whilst feeling the energy ripple down through your spine. This releases your core and mobilizes your seat. Use your legs once, if necessary, but the horse will quickly tune into your breathing alone.

Calmness of Mind and Stability in the Saddle
	Written to empower trainers and riders of all levels and disciplines, Breathe Life Into Your Riding offers breathing techniques that enable riders to improve their: self-control calmness of mind stability in the saddle ...and more

To prepare for a trot-canter transition on the right rein, first make sure your horse is balanced with sufficient energy and working correctly on the circle. To prepare, take a deep, inward breath and feel your horse re-balance. Then take a deeper exhalation whilst allowing your inside (right) shoulder and leg to move slightly forward. As you exhale, breathe into your inside (right) seat bone, which will release and energize the canter strike off. Allow the elevation of the movement through your upper torso.

Try this to visualize this feeling: Walk for a few strides, then prepare to take a step upward, as if climbing a staircase. As you place your foot on the stair, your upper body has to elevate to allow the space for your body to lift. In a much more subtle way, this is similar to the feeling of elevation within the upper torso when you ride. The power from the hind limbs of the horse create more lightness and mobility within his shoulders. This elevation can become blocked if the movement is not absorbed by the upper torso of the rider.

To ride a downward walk-halt transition, take a deeper inhalation, which will lengthen and strengthen your spine, creating stability and acting as a half halt. As the horse responds, increase the inward breath and close your fingers on the reins and your legs on the girth. Once the horse is standing still, release the pressure of your fingers on the reins and allow the horse to halt in a good self-carriage. He should be calm and still yet ready to move forward in response to your next deeper energizing exhalation.

Collection can also be enhanced. Relax your jaw and breathe into “allowing shoulders” to support the movement of your spine. This enhances fluidity as energy is harnessed and released, like a wave in the sea. It encourages a feeling of pride and also lightness in the upper body, which can more efficiently absorb the extra uphill movement of the horse within collection. These breathing techniques can be the essence of developing passage and lightness where the rider not only moves with the horse but breathes with the movement.

Encourage your horse to listen to your core breathing as your first aid when asking for any change, whether in pace or direction. Techniques of breathing can energize a lazy horse or calm anxiety, thus creating more harmony. The horse will quickly understand that this is the way of going without the constant pressure of leg aids from the rider. Excess pressure from our legs against the rib cage creates discomfort and tension for the horse.

These techniques are a journey of discovery and empowerment. When we listen to our horse, we can gain both empathy and harmony—he will become the mirror of our mind.

Jenny Rolfe is a clinician and author of the book Ride From The Heart. She lives in Devon, England, where she and her Iberian stallions help students communicate with horses using breathing and body language (spanishdressagehorses.com).




Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Groundwork and manners

Groundwork & Manners; Good horse citizens

 Teaching a baby ground skills and respect for humans can be really fun but also trying at times. Remember they are like sponges and will soak up everything you do, both good and bad. The key is to be consistent and fair.  Some other key points are:

**Always remember even though they are cute, they are horses.  Do not let them get away with anything another horse would not tolerate.

**Watch how the other horses teach the foal social skills and manners.  They will first warn before reacting and then once the skuffle is over--it's over.  No grudges or anger.

**Create a personal bubble around you and do not let the youngster come into that space unless you ask him in.

**If they get nippy, don't hit them.  Instead play the "Bite-Me" game just as other horses would do.  Make your hand into a pseudo mouth and nip them back on the muzzle until he takes a step away.  Make sure you soften up when he moves away.  It's very important that he does take an actual step, otherwise you did not win the game.  I have raised four colts and this technique has always been successful.

** Young horses have very short attention spans.  Keep training sessions short, 5-10 minutes in the beginning.

**Introduce them to a variety of things and make it fun.  We use baby pools and sprinklers to make water fun.  Allow the curiousity to over-ride the fear and they will approach the object.  Allow them to back away if they get scared, but don't let them turn and run.

**Babies can learn by watching you work with other horses, but this can also work against you.  If the mare has an issue with having her feet trimmed, it might be best not to allow the foal to see a conflict.  One the other hand, a positive role model is very effective.

Excerpt from www.naturalhorsetalk.com




Loretta
 the natural horseman 
clear communication/visible results

No natural talent needed

"Solid basics, combined with read desire and commitment, can make any rider a good rider. As I tell my students, if you want to improve and you're willing to put in the time, patience, and effort to master the basic skills one-by-one, you can go as far as you want to go."

Anne Kursinski

Loretta
the natural horseman 
clear communication/visible results

Can you move your horse with your pinky?

Charlie from HorseTrainingResources.com here....

In Today's Horse Tips Magazine Issue:

    "Can You Move Your Horse With Your Pinky?"

   

---

 Note: Many of you have seen this tip before but I  keep getting comments about it.  Since there  are quite a few new readers, at the risk  of repeating, I am sending it again.

---

 Here's a great quote I have adapted:

  "Books and DVDs do not make a rider good or bad,

   but they can make him better or worse."

 Some horse owners get it, some don't.

 Some like to get in the game with

 their horse and do the things horsemen do.

 Others just feed their horses every

 day and ride 'em once a week if that.

 Whatever.

 But if you're one of those that like to  mess with your horse, then here's a cool  little trick to try.

 When you lead your horse and stop him,

 try squaring him up.

 Basically, squaring him up means his

 two front feet are directly across from each  other and his two back feet are directly across  from each other.

 He's almost statue-like...standing at

 attention like a Marine soldier fresh

 out of boot camp.

 Squaring up a horse isn't as easy as

 it may sound.

 You keep moving them around until you

 get a foot where you want it.

 But once you do, then they move another  foot.  Then, they're still not squared up.

 One thing to remember when doing this

 is that the horse doesn't know what you want.

 You'll keep moving him and he'll likely  willingly move - but it won't be purty at first.

 Like any training, after a while he'll

 get good at it because you've done it enough  and he'll know what you want.

 Here's the cool trick I was telling you  about.  It makes it easier to get him moving the  correct foot.

 As you're holding the lead rope just

 below where it clips to the halter, point your  pinky at the foot you want him to move.

 Picture this.

 You're standing on the right side of the  horse up by his head.

 Your left hand is holding the lead rope  just below the halter.

 You point to his left front foot because  you need him to move it back a little to be square.

 The way you point while holding the lead  rope puts a certain kind of pressure on the halter  and helps him learn what to do.

 Thus, when you point to the other front  foot, the pressure is applied differently on his  face from the halter.

 When he learns that the pressure to that  particular spot on his face is applied, that cues  him to move that foot.

 Will he know how to do this right off the  bat?

 You could be so lucky.

 He's gotta learn it.

 But this is a great way to stay consistent  and ask him to move.

 If you ask him to square up and you ask in  a different way all the time, he'll never know what  you want.

 It's only fair you ask him the same way all  the time.

 This is how professional trainer Diana Quintana  describes doing it in her DVD.  If you want to  read about her, click the following:

 Diana Quintana DVD

 http://www.on2url.com/lnk?lW414Ylm21Y%3D

 Diana is an excellent trainer.  This DVD is titled:

 "“Want To Train Your Horse?”

 It's a great DVD and ull of great info.

 Now...what's good about squaring up a horse?

 First, when you get him to move it's

 like putting another quarter in your piggy bank  of respect for you from him.

 In other words, anytime you get a horse  to move it builds respect for you in his mind.

 Also, anytime you can get a horse to move  their feet they are concentrating on you  and not off in la-la land.

 Two, you are messing with him a lot.

 You'll be walking around...checking him.

 You may lean over to look at his back feet.

 You may squat a little to check his front feet.

 And so on.

 This gets him used to movement going on  around him.

 What's good about that?

 He'll eventually relax as you walk around  him.  You definitely want that.

 The more movement you do around him the better.

 But the other good thing is this.

 Your vet and farrier will appreciate it  because they have to move around the horse a lot.

 Ultimately, it translates into a higher  degree of safety for you, your vet, your farrier,  and anyone else who walks around the horse.

 And as far as I'm concerned...safety is  what it's all about.

 Diana Quintana DVD

 http://www.on2url.com/lnk?lm414Ylm21Y%3D

  Oh - and don't forget -  a little positive

  attention and praise goes a long way.

  Check out the DVD titles we have - you can learn a lot

  watching these professional trainers and how they handle

  different situations.  Note how they encourage their

  horses to get the right response.

  http://www.on2url.com/lnk?l2414Ylm21Y%3D

That's it for today.  Please stay safe out there.

  Charlie

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results