Training horses has been done so many different ways that there are more ways than breeds of horses. Some are more mechanical and forceful and some are a true one on one with every horse. Not every horse reacts to training the same. Some are nervous and high spirited, some are dull and lazy and still some are exciting and responsive. You have to pick the training method that is right for the trainer and horse. We believe that you have to be easy as possible and as firm as necessary as quoted by the late Tom Dorrance.
Clinton Anderson has been the most popular and successful clinician as of late to use this approach. This is the approach that we take in the training of our horses. We also believe in driving our horses to help develop their backend and to start the training without adding weight to their backs.
There are a few things to remember while training your horse; patience, calmness, a sense of humor and to be easy as possible but as firm as necessary. Because of the way a horses mind works, giving them solid leadership even when it means being firm is perhaps the kindest thing you can do for them. Many times the horse is blamed for actions that he has really been trained to do. A lot of the time horses get bad reputations because the foundation of their training was weak.
Training should never be on your time schedule but on the horses ability to learn. To have an idea on what to accomplish is good but to put it on a time table could possibly cause problems. As with all things, you should always end on a positive note. Remember this has to be a good experience for both of you!
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