Training Tip: Make it a Guessing Game

0117_Tip

You always want your horse thinking, “What’s next?” If you constantly keep him guessing about what you’ll ask him to do, he’ll be forced to tune into you. That means mixing up your training sessions so you don’t practice the same exercises in the same order. It also means that you’re conscious of being a leader for your horse and not letting him decide what you’re going to do. For example, if you’re riding a straight line toward a fence and your horse starts to turn left before you cue him, turn him right. With repetition, he’ll learn to wait for your cue because every time he guesses, he’s always wrong. Always do the opposite of what the horse thinks you’re going to do.

Also, be sure to include variety in your training program. Variety is crucial to not only keeping your horse happy and interested in his job, but will stop him from anticipating you. Don’t just ride your horse in the arena and keep drilling on the same exercises. Train him on the trail. You can practice the same maneuvers – sidepassing, two-tracking, bending, etc., only your horse will be more interested in his job because he’ll be in a new environment.

More News

Back to all news

See All
1229_03

5 years ago

Handling a Horse’s Bad Stall Manners

Bad manners should never be overlooked in horses, but they’re especially important to address when it comes to entering a…

Read More
1127_01

7 years ago

Sign Your Horse Up to Work With Clinton

Spooky horses, hard-to-catch horses, stubborn horses, pushy horses, disrespectful horses, bucking horses, snarly horses, rearing horses, won’t go forward horses…

Read More
0102_02

2 years ago

Settle In for Some Winter Reading

The first 2024 issue of the No Worries Journal is available now for members to enjoy. The publication is rich…

Read More
0828_07

7 years ago

Protect The Harvest Presents the First Annual Wild Spayed Filly Futurity

By Protect The Harvest Twelve selected fillies were offered for sale at the 2017 Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity.  These fillies…

Read More