Take an Online Exercise in Equine Problem Solving * page 3

Take an Exercise in Equine Problem Solving

Adair Horse Training Magazine Education Center www.adairmag.com

page 3: LEARNING HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

Most problems are not what they initially appear to be and when analyzing a situation, try to keep an open mind. Many times you will need to search deeper than the obvious.
The following is the method I would use in breaking down the rider's complaint in order to find the source of the problem:

LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS

Is trail riding the only circumstance in which the problem has surfaced or has it presented itself in other ways? Analyze different situations and search for similarities in the horse's behavior. For example, does the horse act the same way in the arena just at a lower excitability level? Is the horse just as hard to control while being led?

BREAK DOWN THE WHOLE PROBLEM INTO INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS

1. BUCKING
For a horse to begin bucking he will drop his head toward the ground, change his weight to his forehand, and round out his back. The horse can only accomplish this action if the rider allows it to happen by A) releasing the reins for the process to happen or B) the horse ignores the bit pressure.
2. BECOMING EXCITED OVER OTHER HORSES
The horse has more concern for the other horses than the rider. This shows a lack of respect for the rider and indicates that the other horses are higher in the "herd order" than the rider himself. The rider's communication level is unable to overpower the situation and regain his horse's attention. The rider must achieve hierarchy over his horse through additional training.
3. NOT SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING
The same cue is used for both slowing down and stopping so they will be addressed in the same manner. The cue to slow down and stop is the rider sitting back into the saddle. If the horse does not slow down or stop, the horse then moves into bit pressure. The bit pressure should discourage the horse from proceeding any further forward and begin to slow down. The reason for the horse not to slow down or stopping is; A) the rider released the reins and could not communicate to do so or, B) the horse ignored the bit pressure.

WHAT IS THE COMMON SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMS?

1. The horse's lack of confidence in the rider.
2. Very poor bit communication.
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