| Have you every heard "My horse used to do that just | | | | But last not least the most likely biggest impact is our |
| fine, but he quit and I have no idea why"? Well, there is | | | | interaction with the horse. This falls into two main |
| a reason for that - guaranteed. Horses do not quit | | | | categories. |
| performing without a reason. And they also do not pick | | | | Are we consistent with acknowledging and rewarding |
| up "bad habits" without a reason. | | | | good performance and behavior? Or are we taking |
| The performance or behavior of a horse depends on | | | | good performance and behavior for granted - till it |
| a large number of factors. And all these individual | | | | disappears? |
| factors interact with each other in multiple ways. This | | | | Do we ignore first signs of poor behavior or |
| is the reason why it often is difficult to determine what | | | | performance - it really is not that big a deal? Or do we |
| really causes poor performance or bad habits. | | | | even - unwillingly - reward the horse for poor |
| On one hand there is the horse itself. We have to look | | | | behavior? |
| at the horse's age, disposition, health and physical ability. | | | | This is a very complex interaction of all factors |
| But we also have to look at potential problems with | | | | involved. The solution is a very powerful tool used in |
| teeth and feet - often overlooked reasons. | | | | the professional training world called "Performance |
| Next there is the gear we are using with the horse. | | | | Analysis". A very systematic approach that evaluates |
| There are bridles and bits, saddle blankets and saddles | | | | every single factor. |
| as well as harnesses. All these individual things can | | | | I have adapted this powerful training tool for horses |
| have a great impact on the performance or behavior. | | | | and call it "Performance Analysis for Horses". You can |
| Not to forget the environment the horse is living in - is | | | | find more on my website. |
| the horse stabled, penned or turned out. | | | | |