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»A horse who stays interested in his work develops a “can-do” at itude that can progress to a “want-to-do” work ethic.


»Horses who are empowered through trust and education usually don’t need desensitizing. In fact, intentionally startling a horse with objects (“sacking out”) may convince him that humans are erratic and can’t be trusted.


»Building an education program early eliminates remedial training later.


»Waiting for a horse’s physical maturity before asking him for a full day’s work under saddle is a good investment of time.


»Any animal, including a horse, should know and respond to his name.


»Horses’ self-awareness can be in- creased, which also increases respon- siveness and willingness.


»You do not have to dominate or in- timidate a horse to teach it.


»Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect. An intelligent and willing horse only needs a few repetitions to understand an exercise.


»A relaxed horse will probably be more willing and ready to learn.


»Willingness in the horse comes from understanding the expectations and is achieved through trust, relaxation and preparation.


T is weanling easily accepted the light surcingle and blanket, great preparation for when she will be asked to carry a saddle. She was ground driving nicely in the fi rst les- son. We always keep sessions short with youngsters, usually about 10 or 15 minutes.


back and progress into beautiful mounted moves such as turn on the haunches and turn on the forehand.


5. Yield the face. If a horse is taught to accept and yield to light pressure on his nose through fi rst a halter and later a bit or other headgear, he will be more willing and lighter to handle when he is started in mounted work.


6. Turnbacks on the half circle. T is is a great exercise to help a horse learn to shiſt his weight and balance onto his hindquarters and to engage his hocks as he makes a turn- back. We longe the horse in a half circle and ask him to “whoa” or halt as he comes to the fence. Aſt er a pause of several seconds, cue the horse to turn and complete a half circle in the opposite direction, also halting when he approaches the fence.


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»Adult Horsemanship I, downloadable CD available from www.imagineahorse.com


Trail Blazer back issues: »“Shaping Equine Behaviors,” May 2011 »“T e Art of Bosal Training,” June 2011 »“How Does Your Horse Learn?” September 2011


»“Let’s Play Ball!” December 2011 »“Teach Your Horse to Pony,” Sean Patrick, June 2011


»“Overcome Fear by Building Trust, Responsiveness and Predictability,” Sean Patrick, March 2012


»“A Whole Bit Bet er: Eff ective communication through proper bit ing and relaxation,” Dale, Ron and Bob Myler. T is book is out of print but may be available from www.actionridertack.com and other outlets.


WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US • June 2012 | 61


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