| First Steps - Approach Your Horse | | | | this as a good opportunity to grab him. Bear in mind |
| Training a horse can only start after you have first | | | | that patience here is the key. This takes time and you |
| caught him. This sounds simple enough, but if this is | | | | are building a foundation that will last throughout training |
| your first attempt at doing so it can be surprisingly | | | | and well beyond. It is important not to rush this step. |
| frustrating. This is actually the most important step of | | | | When the horse does approach, you should turn and |
| all in training. Hereby are laid the foundations of trust. | | | | walk away. Make sure that you walk away before |
| During each stage of horse training remember the | | | | your horse does. By doing this you will show him that |
| importance of using the three P's - patience, | | | | he is not in charge of you. |
| persistence and positive reinforcement. These three | | | | Begin to approach your horse, sideways on, only when |
| elements work together to help you with each step of | | | | you feel that you are familiar and comfortable in each |
| horse training. | | | | other's presence. A loose and relaxed posture is |
| If your enclosure is of an easily manageable size you | | | | needed as you approach the horse. Step sideways to |
| will find that the approach stage will be much more | | | | alleviate the nerves of a skittish equine. Move towards |
| efficient. Ideally use a round pen, but a paddock or any | | | | the side and avoid staring. Glance sideways and move |
| large fenced enclosure will also work. | | | | toward your new friend. It's a bad idea to surprise your |
| A casual demeanor when first approaching the | | | | horse or sneak up on him with the halter. How will you |
| enclosure is necessary. Do your very best to relax | | | | hold onto the horse when "caught" if the horse is |
| and give the impression of calm. All of life's stresses | | | | frightened? You will only succeed in breaching any |
| need to be left outside the pen. Horses are sensitive | | | | trust by doing this and you will have to begin again. |
| prey animals that will become intimidated easily if they | | | | You could also be seriously hurt. The emphasis here is |
| sense any stress or aggression. This can be | | | | on patience and persistence. |
| interpreted by the horse as a threat, and this is the last | | | | When the horse allows you to come close, it's time for |
| thing you want your horse to see you as. Trust needs | | | | positive reinforcement. You should try to forget about |
| to be created between you both. | | | | training at this point. You should only be thinking about |
| Go in with the horse but not to catch him yet. That bit | | | | bonding with your horse. Simple grooming, brushing, |
| will come soon enough. For now just concentrate on | | | | scratching behind the ears, conversation, stroking along |
| becoming familiar with your horse, and letting the horse | | | | the neck area are positive reinforcement tools. Your |
| become familiar with you. Just walk in and stand | | | | horse should be able to enjoy these first moments as |
| around for a few moments. Do not look directly at the | | | | much as you. Now is the time you are both ready for |
| horse. Predators will intimidate their prey by staring into | | | | training. |
| their eyes. It's imperative that your horse doesn't see | | | | A note on safety around horses: |
| you as a predator. You need to be seen as part of | | | | You must not approach a horse from behind unless he |
| the herd. | | | | knows you well. Before you can even think about |
| Next time, take a rake in and tidy up a bit. Inspect the | | | | moving a horse could have delivered you a kick. A |
| fence to see if there are places it needs mending. The | | | | horse will always be faster than you, and even more |
| horse should not be approached yet. The horse will | | | | so if he feels under threat in any way. Ensure you can |
| want to investigate and find out what you are doing. | | | | be seen when approaching a horse. |
| They are naturally very curious animals. You'll be | | | | Whether it is your own horse, or you are training the |
| checked out thoroughly and sniffed once you are a | | | | horse on somebody else's behalf, it is always |
| regular visitor. | | | | advisable to ensure that there is adequate equine |
| It is important to remember that this could take some | | | | insurance in place to protect you both should an |
| time, particularly if the horse isn't used to humans. | | | | accident occur during training. Horses are beautiful yet |
| There are some horses who will not feel too shy and | | | | powerful animals, and a swift kick from a lively horse |
| approach immediately. Either way is acceptable. The | | | | can be enough to put you out of action for a |
| horse will begin to trust you only if you let him become | | | | considerable amount of time. A good horse insurance |
| accustomed to you slowly and in his own time. | | | | policy will include third party liability, and it is definitely |
| Patience! | | | | worth checking this before you begin with your training. |
| Don't reach for the horse as yet, though you may see | | | | |