Horse Training Video Journal:
Joy's second training day
Joy bitted up. Very nice
response.
WHAT THIS HORSE TRAINING VIDEO SHOWS: Joy has been extra easy to
start under saddle even though I haven't given her any
special handling. She is what we call "born broke."
(The term "horse breaking" is merely generic slang for
"horse training."She didn't mind carrying a saddle at all
and she didn't mind wearing a snaffle bridle.
In the video
clip above, she is shown while one rein is drawn a bit
shorter on one side to encourage her to bend her neck and to
follow her nose. This must not be overdone! It must be done
in small steps, rather than tightening all the way all at
once or the horse will feel trapped and will panic.
Cons: Some
folks will not use this method, because of the potential
danger it offers if the horse gets upset and fights the
rein. I learned the method from an old cowboy and I know
that other trainers use it also.
Pros:The horse is teaching herself how to relax, follow
her nose, and get release from pressure. She can teach
herself much more effectively than I could ever do.
Other Uses: This
can be used as a method of discipline for a horse that has
too high an opinion of himself and needs an attitude
adjustment. (Don't assume, however, that a recalcitrant
horse is deliberately behaving peevish. There could be pain
issues, etc. that are bothering the horse.)
Don't overdo it! As soon as the horse
has it figured out, switch sides. As soon as she has it
figured out on that side too, release the rein. If you leave
her bitted up long enough for her to get sore, she will fear
training.
Horse Training Video Journal
