Gordon Adair Natural Horsemanship Training Education Center www.adairmag.com

Take an Exercise in Equine Problem Solving

© by Gordon Adair / Trainer

Similar to the battle between the sexes is the battle between the horse and owner. Both have the common deficiency of poor communication that consequently allows problems to surface. When solving problems between horse and owner it is very important that you are able to identify the "true source" of the conflict.

Read through the following situation and then together we will analyze and decide how to solve the problem. During the process I will illustrate for you the system I use in dealing with the majority of complaints presented to me.

Problem: "How do I stop my horse from bucking? When I am trail riding with my friends and the other horses get ahead of us, my horse becomes very excited and immediately tries to catch up. My horse ignores my commands to slow down or stop. Sometimes he will even start to buck. How do I stop this behavior?"

How would you advise this person? Below are some typical responses including the one I personally would recommend. Which solution do you feel is the best to recommend?

1. Continue to ride on the trail until the horse learns to accept other horses being ahead of him.

2. Start using a bit that will provide more control.

3. Avoid the situation all together.

4. Re-create the situation with a friend and control the excitement level.

5. Go back to the arena and review the basics you have learned.

6. Put the horse in training with a professional to ³fix² the problem.

7. Ask the other riders not to ride away from you.

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Gordon Adair is a professional natural horse trainer and riding instructor with over thirty-five years of experience. Gordon's specialty is instructing owners with their horses, the philosophy of teaching horsemanship and communication. The ability to teach and communicate can then be used with the owners own discipline and personality. Ocala, Florida for more information

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