In this video, we are talking about building a relationship from the ground. It's important to set boundaries and establish leadership on the ground because safety is at stake - my own safety, AND my horse's safety. If we can establish GOOD HABITS in our horses early on, then we can prevent many issues from cropping up later.
ESTABLISHING CONTROL OVER MY PERSONAL SPACE
- My horse needs to know where I am at all times, and he needs to know that he needs to get out of my space. I'll establish this by stepping into his space near his front end, and giving a verbal cue to move. If he doesn't move, I will abruptly take my hands and push his head and neck away from me. When my horse steps away from me, I release.
- Next, I'll move on to the hind end using similar principles, but I'll use the end of my lead rope as an enforcer instead of my hands.
- Then, I'll use these same principles to ask the horse to move out of my way, no matter which part of the body I approach. Eventually, the cues become lighter and more refined, and I won't need to use the enforcers as often.
- I then want to establish my boundaries for leading. When I lead my horse, I want to be able to give him space without having to worry about him crowding on me. When I stop, I expect him to stop. If I back up and he doesn't move out of the way, I will flick my lead rope at his chest and legs and ask him to back away. When he backs out of my space, I'll quit.
REMEMBER: If you don't establish leadership with your horse early on, then he is going to establish leadership with you. Setting up consistent boundaries will earn your horse's trust, and help him gain respect for your leadership.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride,
- Ken McNabb
Visit my website for clinics/event schedule & online tack store: www.kenmcnabb.com/
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14 июл 2024
