| There are probably a few thousand people out there | | | | back some part of my mind is watching for quick |
| training horses for a living. Some of them are excellent | | | | steps - I don't like to get run over. |
| and worth every penny. Some are doing ok - and if | | | | What does that mean? |
| you do not know much about training, they will work. | | | | Well, if you are able to get a halter on a horse and try |
| Some should just find another job. | | | | to teach the horse to lead, you should only have "walk, |
| And there are for sure a lot more people doing their | | | | turn, walk, stop" on your mind. To my knowledge there |
| own training. Some of them get amazing results. Most | | | | is no proof that your horse can technically "read" your |
| are getting along with their horses and with what they | | | | mind. But hundreds of examples proof to me that the |
| are doing ok. Some just always have "problem | | | | horse will pick up an that focus and concentration. |
| horses". | | | | On the other hand - if you say "walk" and then "what's |
| Because of my background in behavioral science I | | | | for dinner", "need to call Bill about the BBQ", "shoot, |
| have for years analyzed what made the successful | | | | forgot to call dad" goes through your mind - it will not |
| people different. | | | | work. |
| It eventually burns down to FOCUS. | | | | I make this up - but for your horse it is, "walk - ok" - |
| I have trained quite a few horses over the years and | | | | "wait what is dinner, BBQ or dad". When you lead your |
| most of the time was very successful. Many people | | | | horse and the horse is focused on you, there are only |
| have asked me, how I can get results that quick. My | | | | two possible options for the horse to expect - a turn |
| answer always is, clear objectives and focus - and | | | | or a stop. |
| then I have to do a lot of explaining. | | | | Many times people have told me their horse does not |
| I raise Morgan horses and work my foals from day | | | | pay any attention. I usually ask them to just lead the |
| two - day one belongs to mama. Within a couple or | | | | horse. They do - and talk to me about something else. |
| three days they will lead, pick up their feet and wear | | | | They do not pay attention - no wonder the horse |
| my hat (that is a dangerous object - a trust deal). | | | | does not either. Well, there are trainers that can do |
| People ask me how I do that and the answer is the | | | | something with a horse and at the same time explain |
| same. | | | | what they are doing. But these people have developed |
| Let me take foals for an example. My horses are | | | | the ability over years - and never take their focus off |
| turned out in a herd. If I am working with a young foal, | | | | the horse. |
| this is all that is on my mind. My whole brains is saying | | | | The more you can focus on your horse the more the |
| "pick up this foot". And that is all that is on my mind. | | | | horse will focus on you - it is that simple. |
| Well, doing this long enough I have developed that way | | | | |