In the life and times of we, the horse owner, there have been many training techniques and systems that have been presented to us. From the old to the new each boasts a series of must-try approaches that are "easy for anyone" but what makes them really work for you?
If you ask a horse the training method that works best is a simple conversation.... In their language, of course. If you're not well versed in a tail flip or pinning your ears you've probably already moved on to another course of action. If you've taken a good look at any discipline you'll see each training system has its own remedy for certain reactions. When applied to the horse they may or may not work. This is usually followed by frustration and a new application of another system because the last didn't "work".
So what determines the real outcome of these training systems and how do you get great results? That too might be more simplistic than you think. From science and the study of the Equine species we know that horses work off 3 major influences: body language, repetition, and reward. No matter the discipline if these three key components are present the training system will be successful on its own. Here's the catch- you the trainer/owner/rider need to be well versed in all 3 areas to succeed.
Trial and error will show that if one of the three components of the "perfect training method" is absent it's going to be a tough day for the student and the horse. Instead of becoming tired or frustrated try a little planning before stepping into the arena:
Body Language- what does my language say to my horse? Am I lacking confidence? Are my actions made as a true motion or as a reaction to life?
Repetition- can I repeat the motion/exercise several times and set my horse up to be successful? What is the goal with today's work? Is my horse able to meet the request to repeat the task several times and show improvements?
Reward: What does my horse respond best to? Will a kind pat, a vocal command, or maybe a cookie reinforce the behavior positively? How am I going to handle negative moments to make them positive?
So training might be tough, but with a little thought and execution of a particular method you can be successful. Bottom line.... Stop whining. Start Planning. Learn how to Be successful.
