How do you train a horse when you have a limited amount of time?
In other words, you’ve got a job, you’ve got family. You’re not a professional horse trainer. What are your options?
First, reaffirm your commitment to training. Horses are wonderful animals, but they are strong-willed and intelligent and if you aren’t working with them – if they aren’t being trained – then the joy you take in owning one is going to diminish.
A well-trainined horse means both a happy horse and a happy horse owner.
Keep in mind, too, that whether it’s working or not – whether you like it or not – you are already your horse’s trainer. The two of you have a relationship and he or she is learning from it. Everytime you visit the paddock, tack the horse up, feed him, lead him down a trail or go for a ride you are communicating with him.
Take advantage of that time! Since you are already “working” with your horse, make the most of the experience. If you are attentive and aware of the relationship, your horse will notice that. And if your horse notices you, that’s half the battle right there.
Behavioral improvement in horses is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. But if you spend an hour a day with your animal – and you do it responsibly, consciously – then your horse is going to improve. He’s going to become more responsive to you. The vibe between you will become more sensitive.
It doesn’t take a long time and it doesn’t take a professional!
Once you’ve accepted the fact that all time with your horse is “training time,” then you can start to set some goals. Be sure that each time you are in equine mode, that you know what kind of manners you expect from your horse. There’s a style and form that you want and he has to meet it.
Be very clear about this! Don’t wait until your in the barn to start thinking about how you want your horse to behave. Sit down over a cup of coffee and think it out. Take some notes. Talk to friends and other horse-minded people. Do some reading. You are setting standards that you want in place for the lifetime of your horse.
Do you want your horse to:
Lower his head when you approach with a halter?
Wait for you to approach him in the stall?
Not play tag in the pasture or paddock?
Stand quietly while you groom him?
Follow you respectfully?
Once you know what you want your horse to do, then you can start to get specific with him. Then you’ve got some standards and you begin to develop cues to let him know when he’s on the right side of your line and when he’s not.
Horses respect leaders. It’s a natural instinct and you need to play to it. It’s not a license to hurt them or abuse your power. Rather, you want to demonstrate that you are a firm and measured boss. When you do that enough, they will want to take your lead and heed your warnings.
But you have to want it. If you’re indifferent, it won’t work. Your horse will pick right up on it. If you’re clear about the ideal one day and lackadaisical the next, your horse is going to take note.
A horse can only learn what you teach him. If he consistently walks away from you when you reach for him, and you never inform him that’s unacceptable behavior, well guess what? He’s never going to learn.
Clarity and consistency are the name of the game when it comes to training. And that’s the case whether you’re a professional or an amateur.
Let’s recap. When you are pressed for time, there are a few steps to follow.
- reaffirm your commitment to having a well-trained (meaning a well-mannered horse);
- view all your interactions with your horse as “training.” It’s all training all the time.
- determine your standards and then stick to them. Be clear and consistent in your expectations.
- finally, develop cues to educate your horse about the new rules and boundaries in your relationship.
It is it easy? By no means. But it can be a lot of fun. You’ll learn about your horse as much as he or she is learning about you.