vary, but start with at least three.
◗ Focus on soſtness and fully release in a timely fashion as the horse responds correctly.
Here are some of the benefits of this approach: ◗ You eliminate guesswork by not changing the gait.
◗ You eliminate two-handed rein action which can cause more tension and trapping on your horse that is already anxious and braced.
◗ You proactively replace a sense of uncertainty with a purpose for the horse as she seeks reinforcement—a full release.
◗ You work her body, and teach her to “want to” move more slowly. Nothing rates speed as ef- fectively as the horse’s mind.
◗ You remain fair and clear, giving her a strong leader to follow.
◗ You remain busy with the exercise, helping to replace your anxiety. Since previous behaviors were dangerous, this is helpful.
◗ Open areas are no longer a trigger to race off with fear, but rather a place where work and paterns are done that are fair and enjoyable.
◗ As the horse can be trusted with “open” reins, you can begin leting her travel straight again and continue on the trail.
◗ You can work on soſtness and head elevation as you teach your horse to travel level and re-
laxed...an important first stage for an anxious horse.
◗ You will witness how “insisting” on forward can actually slow a horse down.
◗ You will learn how releasing the reins at the right time will teach a horse to respond and see that this promise from you gives her a fair condition.
When I see a horse being handled in a way that
offers many choices with unclear parameters, I know this horse will have difficulty setling down, moving feet and yielding to pressure. I watch han- dlers let their horse lead them around every day. Te horse does not yield, is not willing and remains uptight. Te proof is in the pudding. Te horse leans on the halter, stops his feet, crowds, spooks, evades and shows clear signs of tension. Te riding portion will look and feel the same
as the ground time. When a horseman learns to help his horse find the answer, always insists on a true “give,” expects movement when directed and never asks for something he cannot get, the horse will setle down and learn. But this mindset has to be maintained throughout the handling in all situ- ations. Tis correct approach should not be saved for only the round pen. Unfortunately, this is the case much of the time. Young and inexperienced horses need few options, clear instruction, kind reinforcements, and a confident rider who insists.
18 | June 2012 •
WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US
TOP: John Lyons teaches that you cannot make a horse slow down or stand still, but you can insist that he move. By using movement, such as troting serpentines or lop- ing circles, you can develop a desire to want to stand still or travel more slowly in rhythm. LEFT: As you proactively deal with your horse’s fear and aid responses, you will see he just wants to relax under your leadership. Tese moments will only be brief in the beginning, but with time they will become the norm.
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