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"Horse Riding Tips," from my FREE monthly newsletter

From the How to Train a Horse Series:

"Horses require motivation during training – it's what keeps them trying to find the right answer. Maybe you're trying to teach the horse to move his shoulder. You pick up a rein, the pressure on the horse's mouth causes him to search for the release. He soon learns to move his shoulder over to get a release.) Something important to keep in mind is this: While some horses require a lot of motivation (read: pressure in your hand or legs), others may require very, very little. Assuming that all horses require a lot of motivation is asking for trouble. You've got to experiment to find out which horse you've got at the moment you're riding. "Over-motivating" an uppity horse will put too much energy into your horse; you'll have less control and he'll actually be less responsive. So, bottom line: How much motivation you apply depends upon the horse and it may take more – or less – than you first imagine. Experiment to find out what gets the best results."

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From John Lyons Trainer Keith Hosman

Rein In Your Horse's Speed Online Course
A Downloadable Book

A sample from Day 4:

"Today I'll be covering one of the greatest tricks I ever learned from John Lyons. We'll learn to relax and slow a high horse with a method so simple that it only has one step. It's a little trick with huge results.

But first let's recap yesterday's lesson: Yesterday I suggested that you act surprised when your horse doesn't do something correctly. Moreover, I said you should act surprised the first time and every time he doesn't do something perfectly.

Example: If you pick up a rein intending to turn left — and your horse drops his shoulder and veers to the right, act shocked. Say out loud, "Why I can't believe you did that. My mistake. This next time I shall certainly speak more clearly." (English accent optional) Then ask again with more emphasis, (more pressure, a different angle, quicker, slower, etc.)"

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Available Downloads:
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"Round Pen First Steps"
"Trailer Training"

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GUEST AUTHOR ARTICLES How to Get a Horse to Trust You

 
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"Tips In Getting Your Horse To Trust You"
By Brian Kendall

It is far more enjoyable to ride a horse that trusts you rather than one who does not. But getting a horse to trust you is a difficult task, especially if the horse has a history of past abuse.

It is indeed possible to befriend a horse who is shy and reticent but does not have a history of past abuse. Make sure that you approach the horse from the left. And always remember to show him what you have in your hands – even if it is a hoof pick, meant to be used on him.

The second thing to remember is always to wear tight clothes. Loose clothing flaps in the breeze and may unnerve you horse. And once you have scared him, it is difficult to make him believe you. Its hardly comfortable both for the owner as well as the horse, if there is an element of fear and mistrust between the two of you.

To put it simply you should not make the horse do any activity, which he does not feel confident to do. The horse has to have full confidence on you, when you ask him to jump or trot down an unfamiliar path. If you ask him to take a jump and he fails to do so, he will lose the confidence he has in you instantly. He will be frightened to take any command from you the next time. So, instead try and build his confidence in you slowly and gradually. Practice with him, going down a wide and easy road or jumping over easy hurdles. This way he develops trust in you. Never make him do anything which is beyond his capabilities.

Gaining trust from a horse which has been previously abused, is nearly impossible. However with a lot of patience, you may evoke some confidence at the end.

Taking to your horse if a soft, soothing voice helps. Do this before you ask him to do any task. Never make yourself overbearing to your horse, demanding to get his attention. And never try to ride him before you get his trust. Relieve him of any fright or mistrust first. When he is used to your presence as well as your voice, approach him then. Remember always that a horse who is scared is very difficult to manage, so never force anything on him. On the contrary, offer him some food that he enjoys. Soon after he has relished something given by you a few times, gently stroke his muzzle to befriend him further.

You know you have reached some understanding with your horse, if you find that your horse is letting you stroke him. You must however never ride an abused horse, without the help of a horse trainer, who has had some experience with abused horses. These horses are calm when you are on the ground but starts panicking when you are trying to ride them.

About the Author: Brian Kendall is a staff writer at Horse Enthusiast and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Outdoor Sports Enthusiast.

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Next, I'd Read:

Recommended articles featuring the methods of John Lyons:

• The First Thing I Do
• Give Your Horse A Want-To Attitude
• Keys To Improvement

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