Is Your Horse Hungry To Learn?
Horse trainer and friend, Andy Curry, writes this about one of his interviews:
When we were filming Kenny Scott he made a comment I thought I should pass along.
During filming he said:
“The first 30-45 days it seems
like a horse is hungry to learn.
But your first 8-10 rides it
seems like you’re not getting
anywhere in a hurry.”
Then Kenny said:
“After that, the next couple
weeks it seems like they’re
trying real hard to learn
and make you happy.”
Okay.
With that said, I want to expand on why Kenny’s comments are important.
First, when you start working with a horse you may get frustrated and think you don’t know how to get your horse to do anything.
Why?
Because like Kenny said, the first 8-10 rides it seems like you’re not getting anywhere in a hurry.
So, the first lesson is to simply under- stand…that just happens.
It’s okay that your horse won’t seem to get it right away.
As a matter of fact, if you’re not a horse training pro…it’s “STILL” okay your horse doesn’t get it right away. (even if you ARE a pro)
Why?
Because maybe you’re refining your technique.
Not only that, horse time is slow.
Getting a horse to do something is not a fast process.
Sometimes it’s faster than other times, but it’s not normally a fast process.
The next thing to note is Kenny’s comment about the horse being real hungry to learn in the next 30-45 days.
Not only that, they try real hard to make you happy.
This is important to know because horses generally just try to get along.
They’re not out to pick a fight or refuse what you ask (unless someone with the wrong attitude and hands got a hold of him before you did.)
They’re trying desperately to figure out what you want and after those first 8-10 rides you’ll see a definite improvement of learning and willingness to learn.
Just be careful not to teach too much.
Look for places to quit.
Fix what needs fixed and if something doesn’t need fixed, then there’s no need to mess with it.
The old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t break it” applies here.
These wise words (and gobs more) come from Kenny Scott.
If you want to read more about him, click on the following:
One other thing I want to point out that Kenny mentioned.
When you work with your horse be “REAL” careful to distinguish between him not understanding what you want vs. bad behavior.
Not understanding requires patience and figuring out a way for him to “get it.”
Bad behavior is punishable – but the punishment can NOT outweigh the crime.
Be fair to the horse.
If you’re not sure, then ask yourself these questions.
1. Did he understand- did I explain so he could understand?
2. Was I in his way?
Veddy, veddy important.
*********************************************************
Go forth, enjoy your horses… but do it all safely.
Charlie
P.S. Does your horse have all kinds of behavior problems? Is he crowding you? Can’t pick up his feet? Won’t respect your space? Can’t catch him? Bucks? Rears? Bites?
Take control now before you, or others around him, get hurt.
The most successful horse training program on earth that tens of thousands of horse owners have used. All for a small fraction of what a professional trainer would charge.
