| The goal of working with your horse is to develop a | | | | Number four is too often we get into a fight with our |
| relationship based upon trust and respect. Occasionally | | | | horses. This is a battle we can not win, if only based |
| we tend to abuse this relationship and test the strength | | | | on sheer size. If your horses is getting mad, ease off |
| of the developed trust through various sins against our | | | | and rethink what you are asking, does he have the skill |
| horses. Below I have listed the most frequently | | | | and fitness to perform, does he know how? |
| observed sins that will test our relationship with our | | | | Number five is at times we keep pushing our horses |
| horse. | | | | when we run into problems. The horse at these times |
| Number one is constantly pulling on the reins as we | | | | is trying to tell us he does understand or is frustrated |
| ask the horse to perform something. This must be | | | | and had enough. It is best to go back to the basics and |
| replaced with a take and give to loose rein to | | | | soften up on your aids and riding to give him a break, |
| encourage the horse to lower their head and take up | | | | whilst doing something he can easily perform. |
| the bit. | | | | Number six is leaving and stopping working with a |
| Number two is attempting to teach your horse a new | | | | horse when he is mad. The horse will only commence |
| skill at a pace faster than a trot. New skills need to be | | | | from this point next time you start to work with him. All |
| learnt at a walk and progress to a trot. Your horse will | | | | training and work should be ended on a good note so |
| not learn a new skill or movement at any pace faster | | | | that he is feeling good and then it is easier to |
| and attempting to do so will only lead to frustration for | | | | commence your next session on a positive note. |
| both you and your horse. | | | | Number seven is that we often overlook the need to |
| Number three is to continually work your horse without | | | | spend sufficient time teaching our horse to give. This |
| adequate breaks during the training session. We would | | | | ability to give to pressure and resistance is the core of |
| not accept this in any training regime of ours so how | | | | any training and skill performance, and so it will pay |
| can we expect it of our horses. Breaks will serve to | | | | enormous dividends to spend lots of time teaching |
| allow the horse to relax, feel good and process | | | | your horse to give. |
| information and so assist his learning. | | | | |