ONEHORSENETWORK
Connect
  • HOME
  • THINK LIKE A HORSE
    • So What IS a Horse?
    • HORSE ANATOMY
    • SCIENCE ON BITS
  • TRAINING VIDEOS
  • BRIGITTE'S VIDEOS
  • FAVORITES
    • RESOURCES
    • BLOG
    • POETRY
  • CONTACT

TIME - one of THE most important factors with successful horsemanship

6/4/2013

1 Comment

 
Picture
I love this saying as I think it is so true - coupled with IF you are willing to be open to finding the right answer.

As I haved played with many different horses over the years and observed their behaviors, the more I realize that horses need far more time than we allow them to digest new learnings, experiences, people, places and things. Granted, they learn 3 times faster than humans do BUT to be fully confident in learning, I really feel that time is the best resource we have.

TIME can mean a couple of difference things - for a horse that needs to "lick and chew" on things, it can look like going really slow when introducing new ideas or desires - so giving them time within the training and then after.

For the high energy, super learners, time may be teaching something relatively quickly to keep their attention but then not staying on that "subject" long and keeping the session short - giving the TIME between sessions.

Or, for the less trusting or uncofident horse, TIME may mean breaking down your training goal into small steps, giving them time on each to gain their confidence.

What I have discovered is the more TIME I give to each of my 3 horses, the better the results I get the next session and I am rewarded with a much stronger bond and desire from the horse. Try it and you will be surprised at how taking the time will actually increase your results too.
1 Comment

Peace when things go sideways

4/9/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
I love this saying as it really applies to life in general. But specifically to our horses. I know, for me and my comfort level, I like to keep things calm and not have my horses raise their prey animal energy if I can help it. BUT I know that does not allow them to grow and that sometimes, they need to "go there" go to a  place where they are a bit un-confident, to grow. An example of this is my horse Marley - he is so confident when he is in his 5 acre pasture, his known area. But as soon as I take him out of the gate and through the neighborhood, his energy comes WAYYYY up and he becomes worried.

I used to avoid this but now I am using strategies to help Marley become more confident, and in the process, I am becoming more confident. Hmm - interesting how when our confidence rises, so does our horses. Our horse needs to know we are an alert, aware leader and that our focus is the keep the herd safe. Sometimes, it is hard to find that "peace" when our environment is not peaceful.

In case you wanted to know, some of the things I am doing are: recognizing the first moment that Marley is at a threshold when I take him out and then staying at that threshold, keeping him busy, until he is confident in that space. Then, moving on to the next space (which may only be 12 inches from the last). All of this is done on the ground, online as Marley does not need to manage his confidence and the weight and balance of a rider at the same time. This can take an hour or tow hours or whatever - I allow Marley the time he needs so that the next time, it takes less time. I see alot of people with their horses blowing or forcing their horse through thresholds and boy is that an accident waiting to happen. Also, it teaches your horse that you dont care about their feelings or respect them and to them, that means lack of trust in you.

Here is a great example from one of my mentors on how to help a horse find his own peace:

Let me know your thoughts on this!



0 Comments

Treats - yes or no?

2/16/2013

1 Comment

 
1 Comment

Learn how saddle fitting and horse behavior under saddle, are intimately related

2/6/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
This quick article is a must read and shows how your body affects your tack as well as how it can impede and even cause pain for your horse. Fascinating information when considering saddle fit and horse "problems" under saddle - most likely they are caused by either your body or your tack. 

http://www.equinechronicle.com/riding-and-training/saddle-research-uncovers-new-theory-in-asymmetry.html
0 Comments

Tack and Rider - the 2 key pieces to excellence with riding

2/6/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Notice how this riders right shoulder is lower than her left. This will impact her horse's ability to do many of the maneuvers we ask of our horse. For example, there is a good chance the horse will not be able to pick up the correct lead in a canter, since the weight of the rider is not balanced in her own body.  I recommend two exercises to help you determine your own body positions - sit on your saddle in front of a mirror. See what your body looks like at rest, on an innate object. Then, video tape yourself on your horse. You would be amazed at what you see!

Another interesting article on the topic Rider and Horse Asymmetry Article  - how this affects your saddle and tack:

http://www.equitationscience.co.uk/upload/LAshton_Dec12_Asymmetry.pdf
0 Comments

    Archives

    September 2015
    July 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    Categories

    All
    Children
    English Riding
    Feral Horse
    Horse
    Horsemanship
    Horse Training
    Kid Horses
    Kids
    Learning
    Natural Horsemanship
    Non Toxic
    Parelli
    Pasture
    Pesticides
    Pet Friendly Weed Killers
    Ponies
    Pony
    Saddle
    Weed Killer
    Western Riding

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.