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This feature is a continuation of a multi-part series. Please visit Part One in which the context of this discussion is explained.
Recap.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to create scenarios that replicate everything that could unsettle a horse out in the field. However with most horses it is not that difficult to condition the horse to be less reactive and be more responsive to the rider's cues when encountering something unexpected or anxiety producing.
From our experience, the most effective bombproofing and confidence building approaches include the following key points.
- Start on the lead line and proceed to saddle work once the horse is reliably confident on the line.
- Start with basic footwork to gain reliability in foot placement and spatial awareness, and build from there.
- Proceed from simple to complex. Ensure that the horse comfortably and confidently masters all of the aspects of each element before moving on. You want to build confidence based on the horse experiencing success. This isn't a race to see how many challenges you can crash through.
- If a horse has difficulty with a challenge, adjust the situation or change things up to allow the horse to better understand what is being asked. Doing so sometimes involves setting up a simpler challenge so that the horse has a clearer sense as to what is being asked. Frustrating the horse seldom leads to improved confidence and responsiveness.
- Different horses can have issues with different types of stimulus. Repeat the challenges that the horse does well as may be needed to reinforce confidence and responses to cues, and take the time it takes to calmly work through the more unsettling challenges.
- Different horses process new things at different rates. With some horses you may need to keep moving in order that they don't get bored. Other horses may need more time to study a situation, or even leave a challenge altogether, think about it, and then return. It's up to the handler / rider to learn the characteristics of each horse and work with rather than fight with those characteristics.
- We are a predator species. We want to achieve our objectives, usually as soon as possible. Horses are a prey species. They want to be safe. Our projected attitudes when asking horses to take on challenges can either help generate confidence or undesirable stress.
- Horses are pattern learners. They can memorize an obstacle and handle it confidently, then be startled if the obstacle changes. Therefore, for the horse to become adept at dynamically processing its surroundings, the obstacles should constantly change and the challenges for each obstacle should also vary (e.g, leading, backing, side passing, riding, etc.)
- The handler / rider's energy is often critical. Cues and corrections should provide clarity to the horse, not produce additional confusion or overreaction. Constant chatter, micromanagement of the lead or rein, and similarly distracting "white noise" seldom produces confidence in the horse. Give a clear cue and give the horse the opportunity to actually think and respond appropriately.
- Although this key point is listed last, safety is Job 1. If we expect our horses to trust us and respond confidently when we give a cue, we have to earn that trust by not putting the horse into a situation that can't be solved or results in the horse getting hurt.
Consider why many horses will explore challenges on their own, but become
hesitant when on the line or under saddle. What are we doing wrong?
When properly applied, bomb proofing and confidence building don't just produce measurable improvements in the horses. At the same time the handlers and riders have opportunities to significantly tune up their skills and abilities in the process. After all, horses are not machines. They are partners in a team in which both parties should communicate effectively in order to succeed in various tasks.
Useful Links.
The links listed below provide additional information that may be beneficial to anyone striving to have more confident and more reliable horses. We're not suggesting that these are the only valid approaches and ideas. If anyone wishes to suggest additional
links that would be beneficial, please feel free to
email me.
Links should open in a new tab or window.
Important Post Script.
The concepts offered in this information sheet series are ones that our crew has found valuable based on our experiences. I do not claim that they are the only approaches that work, nor do I recommend that anyone avoid using other safe and sane techniques. I do hope that the information presented here provides some insight into how horses process information and how improved horse communication can be achieved. How each of you as readers may apply this information is up to you.
Many of the links provided contain links to other documents and resources. My advice is to mine for the information that most resonates with your situation, but also is logical, practical and safe. Also remember that a concept that may be valuable in one situation may be hazardous in another. So think, decide, then act.
Anyone with questions, concerns or ideas is welcome to email me. You may also wish to participate in the
LRTC Facebook Group.
Finally, regardless as to whose suggestions you follow, always consider safety and effective communication as your priorities and follow a logical path. As Pat Parelli likes to say, "It often takes less time to take the time it takes."
Willis Lamm
Acknowledgments.
We need to thank the following entities for providing opportunities to facilitate the development of these concepts.
- Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program
- The Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo
- Silver State Industries Inmate Horse Training Program (Nevada)
- Digital Domain of Austin (for producing the video)
- The many volunteers and mentors of Least Resistance Training Concepts who participated in these activities.
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