Horse training principles
By pianoswirly1
@pianoswirly1 (83)
Australia
February 1, 2007 5:00pm CST
Lately I've been observing the horse industry and there is a huge lack of knowledge in how to deal with horses. There is often no 'give' for a positive response, and even more often a give for a negative response, which reinforces habits. Then, when the horse does not do what it is meant to, the owner/handler says the horse is stupid! Horses must get very confused! I have also recently discovered the english method of holding a horse 'by the beard' and trying to push it forward, whilst encouraging movement from behind creates ignorant horses, along with webbing halters and cotton lead ropes. I switched to using a parelli style lead rope and a rope halter, and walked in front of my horse. Everytime she refused to go forward, I kept a constant pressure on her head, until she gave the slightest move forward. At this point I dropped the leadrope for 15 secs, and then started again if she did not move. I swear it has solved all her leading issues! Has anyone else used a similar 'give and take' technique with success?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@mom2rottie (620)
•
1 Feb 07
I read the first few lines of this and was thinking, you need to try Parelli. But then kept reading and saw you do. That is the best program I have come across, I use it with all my horses, it is excellent for teaching ground manners and so much more. I agree with you, so many other methods are totally idiotic. It's like beat the horse into submission, never give an inch in case the horse may take off with anything you "give" them. It's rediculous. Good luck with your mare you are off to a great start! If you have cable check out the RFD channel they have many shows on Parelli.
@pianoswirly1 (83)
• Australia
1 Feb 07
I live in Australia for a start, and don't have pay TV. But I have been getting a lot of advice from www.horseproblems.com.au. Once I discovered this guy, I realised all the rubbish that goes on! I'd love to officially learn some Parelli, but I've got to save to attend. Thanks :)
@roanfilly (9)
• United States
2 Feb 07
I started a four month old filly on the Parelli games. She caught on right away, and the results were excellent. I have also used natural training methods on older horses with similar results, though it took a little longer with the older ones that had developed bad habits. I agree Parelli is the best I have used.
My filly is now 4 years old, and I have developed an amazing level of communication with her by using Parelli training methods.
@melanie652 (2524)
• United States
10 Mar 07
I think most horses really like and prefer positive reinforcement. I think the negative response when they do something wrong really stands out in their minds because they're getting into trouble for that. I've found if I don't react much when they do something wrong, but really praise them when they do something right it works quite well. On leading, I get off to the side and use pressure when I'm teaching my babies to lead. When they realize I can pull them off balance when I'm on the left side or right side, leading from the front seems to come easily and naturally. As soon as they step forward or to the side, the pressure is off from the lead rope and they "get" that. It's worked quite well for me and the babies lead nicely after just a few short sessions.
@FFAgirl_16 (98)
• United States
3 Feb 07
That's the same method I use with teaching lambs to lead, it's much more effective than just dragging them around or yelling at them. My sheep end up so calm at shows that some people ask me if I sedate them. Of course I don't. =)
@cjkicks (156)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I agree with you regarding training principles. People who say they have been around horses all their lives are totally ignorant about horses. I have had relatively intelligent people tell me horses are stupid and don't remember, but that is so untrue it is funny. I have used all types of halters and lead ropes and found that I tend to go with any of them that do not harm them. One other way to train to lead is the circle method it is the fast learning method I have found. If a horse balks at going forward turn them to the left or right in a tight circle. They will grasp the idea very quickly with out any problems. Then going straight is as easy as pie. I believe in postive rewards, loving, treats and praise. For a problem horse usually getting down on the ground with them and working thru the problem is best.No negative feed back at all.
