| Whether your horse is a high level show competitor, a | | | | relationship is commonly known as "natural |
| mobile lawn ornament or somewhere in between, it is | | | | horsemanship". By using this training method, you show |
| important to have him under control at all times. Even if | | | | your horse that you are the alpha horse. Your horse |
| your horse falls into the mobile "lawn ornament" | | | | decides that it is in his best interest to take the |
| category, there will be times when he has to be | | | | subordinate role in exchange for the security you |
| handled to ensure that his basic hoof and veterinary | | | | provide. |
| care needs are met. In order to keep yourself, your | | | | The best way to have control over your horse is to |
| horse, and others safe, you need him to be calm and | | | | develop a relationship built on mutual trust & |
| well behaved in all situations. | | | | respect. |
| There are generally three types of horse/owner | | | | You can develop this type of relationship on the |
| relationships. | | | | ground by: |
| 1) In some horse/owner relationships, the horse is the | | | | |
| leader. The horse determines what he will do and | | | | 1. understanding how your horse interprets your |
| when he will do it. The owner adjusts her handling and | | | | movements, |
| riding habits to suit the will of her horse. This is the "my | | | | 2. setting clear physical boundaries while respecting |
| horse doesn't like that" relationship. The result is a | | | | your horse's personal space; and |
| pushy, sometimes even aggressive horse (and usually | | | | 3. getting your horse to move where you want him to |
| a nervous, fearful owner). | | | | move. |
| 2) Another relationship type occurs when the owner | | | | This training can be done in a round pen, small |
| maintains "control" through inflicting pain as punishment | | | | paddock, in-hand, or on a lunge line. It does not require |
| to discourage unwanted behaviours. Such negative | | | | any special equipment. But, because humans are |
| "motivators" can be spurs, whips, and chains. This is | | | | programmed as predators and horses are |
| the "I'll show you who the boss is" relationship. The | | | | programmed as prey, the way we move and interpret |
| result is an unpredictable, sometimes resentful horse. | | | | body movements are very different. It is possible to |
| 3) The third relationship type is one built on mutual trust | | | | learn how to move more like a prey animal and |
| and respect between horse and human. Through | | | | understand the horse's perspective of the world. |
| understanding the horse's perspective of the world, the | | | | This type of training takes time (for the human to |
| handler takes on the alpha horse role. This is the "willing | | | | learn) and patience. But, the result will be a confident, |
| partner" relationship. The result is a calm, trusting and | | | | willing partner and a winning relationship for both horse |
| willing horse. | | | | and owner. |
| The type of training used to develop this trusting | | | | |