 |
Where To Begin Your Training© by Gordon Adair |
 |
Preparing Yourself First
1) Start by reading Take an Online Exercise in Equine Problem Solving
Once you are finished you will have learned that most problems are not as they appear! The true source is often more basic then you think. Most people want their problems to be more complicated so they do not feel like failures. Accomplishing basic requirements can be very difficult for the best equestrian. This is why Instructors will often require you to review your basic skills to solve your problems. As you improve your skills you will notice your relationship improving with your horse and see the problem slowly disappear. Ground work will solve riding problems!
2) Read BE CAREFUL HOW YOU INTERPRET WHAT YOU ARE BEING TAUGHT
This is where most people fail... their interpretation. Most people believe their basic communication foundation is good. So how do you know?
Below are the requirements I use in my training to improve communication with horses. The requirements also act as a test, when you cannot pass a requirement you have found your starting point for your training.
| 3) Ground Working Requirements | 4) Desensitizing Requirements |
|
5) Check back more will Be Added Soon! |
6) Check back more will Be Added Soon! |
Check Your Horse Out
Whenever horses come into training the first thing I will do is check their teeth and hooves. The horses teeth and hooves always seem to be bad when they come in with problems needing to be fixed. This is another example where most horse problems are people problems. Always have your horse's teeth and hooves check before sending them to training. You will get more training for the buck!
Horses teeth are different then ours yet they still require regular maintenance. It is very hard to communicate with horses when their mouths are sore!
1) Read CHECKING YOUR HORSE'S TEETH.
A poor shoeing or trimming can cause more trouble than you think. If your horse's hooves are not balanced properly it can change his movement so he cannot physically perform or it is very painful for him to be ridden.
2) Article to come.
Both sore teeth and feet can put your horse in a bad mood. When your horse is in a bad mood he is not thinking in your best interest, his mind is on how to get out of work.
Another common problem is what you are feeding your horse. Excess protein and sugar will cause your horse to have more energy then you desire. Protein and sugar can be found in some supplements and grain mixes. Alfalfa hay is the main source of excessive protein.
3) Article to come.
Trying to deal with excessive protein and sugar is a waist of time and energy. Most often it is the true cause of conflicts and fear between you and your horse.
Check Your Equipment
1) More to come!