Don't take this from your horse

Don't Take "THIS"
From Your Horse!


A few days ago I wrote about a char-
acteristic you never want to zap out of a
horse. And that is "curiosity."

The other you want to be careful with
is sensitivity.

Sensitivity is a terrific training tool
already built in the horse. We just have to be
careful how we use it.

For instance, I've seen horse's taught
to move forward and turn their hindquarters using
spurs.

I'm not exactly for that - on the other
hand that may be the only thing that works as
a last resort.

The thing is, if you go spurin' the
horse too much he could become sort of numb
to it.

His sensitivity to it can disappear
and to try and get it back is...well...dang
hard to do.

That's why it's so important to treat it
with kid gloves right off the bat. Better to
do something right the first time than try to
fix it later.

The rule of thumb is, always start with
the least threatening thing and increase the
pressure as needed.

Another example is being careful with
the reins. I like to use primarily snaffle bits
because they're easier on the mouth.

I like a larger bit because a smaller
one can cut the nerves in the horse's mouth and
you'll dang sure lose sensitivity there.

That's not good when you're trying to
get your horse to bend his neck and give you
his head.

I like my horse's neck to bend so well
that when I pick up the reins and give an ever
so slight pull, his head comes with it. His
head moves like a door on freshly greased hinges.

Now that's sensitivity.

That comes in handy for when you need
your horse's head if he rears or tries to bolt.

So the deal is this. Be careful with
your horse. Sure he's a big animal and all. But
use his brain (and yours) to get him to move.

Like my friend Bob Decker says:

"You can 'ask' a horse
to do about anything."


Adios until manana.


Andy Curry
www.horsetrainingandtips.com


=================================

How To Train Horses For Killer Results - Everytime!

Click here to find out how:
http://www.horsetrainingandtips.com/horse_owners_manual.htm

=================================