Early pioneers of horse training laid the foundations for many principles still used today. One of the most influential figures was Jesse Beery, whose work focused on understanding the horse’s mind, building trust, and using clear, consistent communication rather than force.
While modern training benefits from advances in science and welfare standards, many of Beery’s ideas remain timeless. This article explores practical horse training tips inspired by Jesse Beery’s philosophy, adapted for today’s horse owners who want calm, willing, and confident horses.
For a deeper look at Beery’s background and training philosophy, see Jesse Beery’s horse training methods explained.
Start Training With Understanding, Not Correction
One of Jesse Beery’s strongest beliefs was that unwanted behaviour usually comes from confusion, fear, or lack of understanding — not stubbornness. Before correcting a horse, the trainer should first identify why the behaviour is happening.
Understanding how horses learn is key to solving training problems effectively and fairly.
Practical tips:
- Ask whether the horse truly understands the request
- Check for physical discomfort or environmental stress
- Break the task down into simpler steps
This approach is still recommended when dealing with many common horse training mistakes, where problems often stem from unclear communication rather than bad behaviour.
Use Calm, Consistent Handling Every Day
Beery placed great importance on calm, consistent handling. Horses learn best when cues, routines, and expectations remain predictable. Inconsistent handling or emotional reactions often lead to anxiety, tension, and resistance.
This principle closely aligns with modern training for calm responses, which focuses on helping horses remain relaxed, attentive, and confident during training.
Practical tips:
- Use the same cues for the same requests
- Avoid correcting a horse for something it has not been clearly taught
- Keep emotions out of training sessions
Calm repetition builds trust far faster than pressure or frustration.
Build Training Progressively, One Step at a Time
Rather than rushing training, Beery strongly advocated for gradual, progressive learning. Each stage should be fully understood before moving on to the next.
Many modern riders unknowingly create problems by skipping foundations — something Beery warned against long before it became widely recognised.
If you’re unsure where to begin, revisiting horse training basics can help ensure nothing important has been missed.
Practical tips:
- Keep sessions short and focused
- Confirm understanding before increasing difficulty
- Finish on a calm, positive response
This approach creates confident horses that remain willing as training progresses.
Establish Good Groundwork Before Riding
Groundwork was a cornerstone of Jesse Beery’s training philosophy. He believed that clear communication and respect should be established on the ground before asking more complex questions under saddle.
Many of Beery’s ideas align closely with modern groundwork essentials, which focus on building understanding rather than dominance.
Practical groundwork tips inspired by Beery:
- Teach calm responses to light pressure
- Encourage forward movement without rushing
- Address behavioural issues on the ground first
Strong groundwork foundations often prevent problems later in ridden work.
Address Behaviour Problems Early and Fairly
Beery believed that ignoring small issues often allowed them to develop into serious training problems. However, he also stressed that corrections should always be fair, calm, and proportionate.
Many issues seen today are the result of common horse training mistakes, such as inconsistent cues or asking too much too soon.
Practical tips:
- Correct behaviour immediately but calmly
- Avoid escalating pressure unnecessarily
- Clearly reward the correct response
Fair, timely corrections help horses understand expectations without damaging trust.
Use Training Tools to Communicate, Not Control
Although training tools were common during Beery’s era, he repeatedly warned against relying on equipment instead of training. Tools should support communication, not replace good horsemanship.
This principle is still highly relevant today, particularly when stronger equipment is used to compensate for training gaps.
Practical tips:
- Use the mildest equipment that allows clear communication
- Focus on teaching the response, not forcing it
- Address the root cause of resistance rather than masking it
When tools are used correctly, training remains clear and humane.
Applying Jesse Beery’s Principles to Modern Horse Training
Modern horse owners benefit from improved welfare standards, veterinary knowledge, and training science, yet Beery’s core principles still fit seamlessly into today’s methods.
Key ideas that remain relevant:
- Behaviour-first problem solving
- Strong foundations through groundwork
- Calm, consistent handling
- Gradual, structured training
These principles underpin many effective and ethical training systems used by professionals today.
Final Thoughts on Training the Jesse Beery Way
While techniques evolve, the fundamentals of good horse training remain unchanged. Jesse Beery’s influence reminds us that horses learn best through patience, clarity, and trust.
By applying these practical tips inspired by his philosophy, modern horse owners can build training programmes that are not only effective, but also fair and humane.
For a full overview of his history and methods, revisit Jesse Beery’s horse training methods explained.
From One Horse Person to Another
Good horse training is never about force or shortcuts. It’s about understanding the horse in front of you and communicating clearly. Jesse Beery’s principles continue to offer timeless guidance for anyone committed to training horses with patience and respect.