✅ WHAT HORSES WANT YOU TO KNOW WEDNESDAY
THE YES TRAINING
✅ Many years ago I was teaching this combination of a young woman and her beautiful Arabian mare. Before I start teaching, I first observe a combination a few minutes, especially a new one.
✅ She was riding the mare in walk and I heard her say ‘No’ to her every few seconds. I halted them and ask what she wanted the horse to do better. She had a whole list.
✅I asked them to walk again, but, now, I instructed the rider to no longer say ‘no’ when something went wrong, but instead say ‘yes’, when something went right.
The change was dramatic!
✅ In minutes both looked far more happy and relaxed. There was much more flow between the two and the calm forwardness and rhythm of the horse almost improved instantly, as did the rider’s seat and hands!
✅I asked her what the horse was doing right, and again a whole list!
I KNEW I WAS ON TO SOMETHING HERE!
‘NO’ TRAINING
Within regular equitation, riders and trainers are very much ‘no’ oriented, that means in general, riders mostly correct a horse when he does something ‘wrong’ and sort of ignore when the horse does something ‘good’, by not reacting to the horse at all, but just let him continue.
Imagine yourself at work and hearing ‘no’ all the time when ever you are doing something wrong, but never hearing you are doing something good.
Would that not be extremely demotivating?
Now imagine a (small) physical punishment with each ‘no’.
Would you be able to show your best work? Or would you be paralyzed from fear and despair?
Well, so would your horse. Yet, millions of horses have to function this way, each day.
✅ALWAYS PUT YOURSELF IN THE HORSE’S SHOES (even when barefoot).
✅FOCUS
What we focus on is what grows. Thus, if we focus on the negative, the negative will grow. However, if we focus on the positive, that will grow. Focus on what goes right and reward your horse TIMELY for it. This way your horse will understand what he is doing right and he will want to keep gaining those rewards and compliments.
✅YES TRAINING
To get the best result from your horse, train yourself to become a ‘yes’ trainer!
Tell your horse ‘yes’ the very second he does something right and even though your horse will understand the positive vibe of your ‘yes’, it is even better to couple that yes to some form of reward. Always say ‘yes’ when you scratch, caress or treat your horse, so he will make the connection.
Of course instead of 'yes', you can choose any other word, such as good or whatever has your preference.
THEN WHAT WITH THE NEGATIVE?
If your horse does not bring you in any danger, just ignore it. Repeat your request... untill you can say ‘yes’!
Learn more in my book on body language, timing and reward, as the basis of all correct, healthy and fun horse training!
Help me help horses:
I want 1 million people to read my book to create a tipping point for the horse.
When you read my book you will agree!
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For the love of horses,
x
Josepha
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