Training your own Horse

Me at age 17 training a pony I fostered from a rescue

When you set out to train your own horse at home, especially if not doing so under the guidance of a trainer, then you will need to keep some things in mind to be successful.

First things first, you need to have an "end goal." This is usually the easiest part. What is the goal; the dream for what you and this horse will do? It may be competing in barrel races, fun shows, going trail riding or maybe just pasture riding at home. You need to know where you're going before you can figure out how to get there.

With your long term goal in mind, you will then need to set goals for each working session. This can be more difficult because you need to be realistic and still adaptable. If my horse is IMPOSSIBLE to catch and I'm just starting to work on them with this and all I have is their pasture to work with, then maybe my first goal will be to make them move their feet and stop and face me from a great distance a few times. Then the next time I go out maybe my goal will be for them to be more responsive when I ask for that 'whoa' and that from a distance I can move around and they follow me with their eyes. An example of being adaptable is maybe you set a goal that you wanted to actually halter your hard to catch horse today, but you're only getting as far as walking up and letting them sniff your stretched out hand. Being adaptable would be changing your goal to: walking up to your horse letting them reach out to sniff your hand and you immediately turn and walk away and being done for the day.

Another important concept to keep in mind when training your horse, is knowing when to take a break. If you are getting frustrated, or overwhelmed or your horse is. Stop and take a break. Whether you just sit on them a moment and take some deep breaths, tie them up and walk away or completely put them up (pasture or stall) and come back later. When our emotions take control we are not able to process information clearly and make good choices. Take a breather and come back with a clear mind.

The last piece of advice I will leave you with that I'm sure you have heard time and time again. End on a good note. This ties back to adjusting your end goal. if you're stuck not progressing in your lesson. Or you had to work really hard for that half step of progress. Call it a win, and end your session. Sometimes we ask for to much to soon and push to far intern making things counter productive.

Training horses can present many challenges. Keeping these concepts in your mind while working with them can help you to be successful. Set goals, take breaks, and end on a good note.

~ Train with Care, Ride with Confidence.