For an inexperienced trainer, a horse will often learn through trial and error. You may try different approaches and eventually get the result you intended. However, to become a more effective trainer, you must systematically approach a task and monitor results.
The media has taken training strategies to a new level of awareness with films such as “The Horse Whisper” and “Seabiscuit”. These films show the gentleness of horses and the ease of bonding with humans with a gentle, non-violent approach is taken in training.
Each horse is different in the way it perceives its environment. Horses have a high sensitivity to the objects and movements within their immediate environment resulting from their innate “flight response”. Training a horse involves four key components: the stimulus provided, assessing the horse’s response, reinforcement, and skill attainment (training).
- As a trainer, you begin the process defining the skill you want your horse to learn.
You initiate a stimulus (cue) to elicit a response from your horse. The use of your legs, hands (i.e. picking up the reins), voice (commands) and even the weight of your body can be used as cues for your horse. - When pressure is initially exerted, the horse’s first response is to move away. Using a lead rope is an approach to teach the horse to move in a given direction. Pulling on the rope will cause the horse to move in the direction of the pull in order to escape pressure.
- The release of pressure when the horse moves in the right direction becomes its reinforcement. In this instance, reinforcement is positive. The horse can also experience negative reinforcement. If it fights the pressure from the reins by pulling against it, the horse will experience increased pressure and discomfort. Negative reinforcement is used to teach the horse how to avoid discomfort. Through consistency of each type of reinforcement, the horse learns comfort (i.e. the release of pressure) through positive reinforcement and avoidance (increased intensity of pressure) through negative reinforcement. It is repetition of stimulus and consistency in reinforcement that change behavior into conditioned (predictable) responses. The end result is attainment of the skill level identified as the training goal.
Using a systematic process to train your horse will allow you to establish incremental measures of the effectiveness of your approach. It will also provide a basis for assessing the adequacy of your stimulus to initiate behavioral responses. Keep in mind:
- The cue/stimulus you use (verbal or physical) should be used on a consistent basis unless you find out that your horse responses better to an alternative cue;
- If you are going to use reward as positive reinforcement for a maneuver or behavior, it should be given immediately after the behavior is performed so the horse learn by association
- Define in advance what constitutes mastery of the maneuver by your horse. This will ensure that your horse is properly trained and will not have to be retrained in the future for bad habits.
References
Labels: Training
¶ 10:19 AM 0 Comments
The very young horse (less than a year old) is considered a foal. As a prey animal, the horse is born with the inherent first response of “flight” from anything it perceives as dangerous. This can be just about any new experience it encounters or anything that moves suddenly.
Because of its high sensitivity to the immediate environment, it is important that the foal becomes familiar with humans and begin to trust them. The concept of “imprinting” is often used to describe the horse-human bonding during this period. Dr. Robert Miller in his book, NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP EXPLAINED, suggests that imprinting is predetermined learning. He states that during this phrase of early learning, the foal will attach to its mother, and any other thing that is it sees moving around it, including you. The intended outcome is for the foal to accept humans, not fear them.
Given an ideal situation, the horse should attain key training milestones in its early years of life. As a yearling, the horse reinforces the skills learned as a foal, and is exposed to new experiences that he will accept without fear. It takes many man hours over a two- to three-year period to properly train a horse. Depending on where you purchase your horse and its past experiences, it may be difficult to assess how well your horse has achieved certain milestones until you have worked with him horse for a period of time.
A mature horse, one in the range of 2-3 years old or older, is usually trained in the basics. It may be easier to determine the temperament of the horse to determine if it is suitable for your purposes. The following lists some of the training milestones a horse should have achieved during the first couple years of life.
You should devise a rating scale to assess the skill level of a prospective horse that you are considering, or in planning for the training of a horse you recently purchased. The following list uses a basic scale of:
· No Training
· Complete Task with Resistance
· Complete Task without Resistance.
You want the horse to consistently perform a task without resistance.
- Allowing you to touch to the various parts of its body (face, sides, legs, rump, tail)
- Responding to your voice and basic commands for walking and stopping
- Allowing you to pick up its feet
- Allowing you bath and groomed him
- Allowing examination by vet and furrier
- Allowing to be caught haltered and tied
- Can be lead into a trailer without much resistance
- Longed in a round pen with commands to walk trot or canter
- Responding to your commands while being led, walk trot
- Backing up in a straight line
- Desensitized to blankets and other objects
- Will not spook at items such as plastic bags or leaves blowing in the
wind or the roar of an engine nearby - Will not resist a bit, bridle or reins
- Responses positively to teats and other reinforcements
References
Training and Maneuvers for the Halter HorseThe Horse Training Age Criteria
Articles from Horse Training - Ground Work
Labels: Training
¶ 11:57 AM 0 Comments
A Grooming Session for Model
Grooming is an essential task in caring for your horse. It can be be a special time for bonding between the two of you. If you are new to grooming, work with someone who can to explain the different techniques that will ensure a comfortable experience for your horse, and a safe outcome for you. A grown horse weights in excess of 1,000, pounds; there are safeguards you must adhere to for your protection.
Grooming provides opportunity to examine your horse for cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Over time, you will be able to recognize subtle changes on your horse’s body and identify any new injuries, infections or skin irritations. Regular grooming not only beautifies your horse’s coat, it releases the natural oils that are necessary for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Be careful around the sensitive areas of the horse’s body: the face, sides, stomach, legs and frog of the hoof. As you groom your horse, gently stroke him as you move from one part of his body to another. Avoid any sudden moves that can alarm or startle your horse, you want to be sure that he is aware of you at all times.
Identify an open area where you can groom your horse, one that is free from distractions. The location should have a rail where you can tie and safety secure your horse. Make sure that there is enough room so you can walk behind your horse, at a safe distance, to avoid the possibility of being kicked.
The Grooming Kit
There are a number of items that should be part of your grooming kit. The basic items you need to clean the hooves, coat, face, mane and tail of your horse include:
• Curry Comb
• Hoof pick
• Brushes: stiff brush and finishing brush
• Mane and tail comb and/or brushes
• Sponges
• Coat conditioner
• Fly Spray and insect repellent
• Hoof ointment, if recommended by your farrier
• Grooming mitt
• Large bucket, can be used for storage of grooming items.
Cleaning the Hooves
The hooves of the horse are cleaned with a hoof pick. Gently run your hand down the leg of your horse and give it a squeeze to lift the hoof. Begin cleaning at the heel of the hoof and move toward the toe picking out any mud, rocks and other debris. The most sensitive part of the horse’s hoof is “V-shaped” pad, known as the frog. Avoid this area while picking.
Check horse’s shoes to make sure none are loose. Inspect the hooves closely for signs of thrush. Thrust appears in the deep crevices of the frog and is identified by a puss-like discharge with a strong foul order. Work with your farrier for preventive measures and treatment. Your farrier may also recommend the use of ointment for your horse’s hooves. Apply ointment after cleaning to keep hooves from becoming dry.
Cleaning Your Horse’s Coat
One technique to systematically clean your horse’s coat is to move from top to bottom; go from front to back; start on its left side and end on its right side. Start with the curry comb. Use small circular motion while applying pressure to loosen dirt and other debris embedded in the horse’s coat. Beginning on the horse’s right side, brush from the top of the neck and down the chest. Next brush the shoulder, going along the back, next the stomach. Brush the rump and the upper part of the back leg. Check the leg for swelling. Repeat this process on the right side.
A stiff brush is used in the next step to remove any dirt loosened by the curry comb. Starting on the left side, brush in the direction of hair growth using an upward flicking motion to keep dirt from falling back into the coat. Use the same procedure that you used with the curry comb. Remember to periodically pat your horse to keep him aware of your presence. Do the same on the right side.
A finishing brush is used to remove any remaining dirt. Long sweeping strokes are made with the brush that leaves the coat shinny.
Cleaning the Face
With a small damp sponge, clean around your horse’s face, eyes and ears. Check the eyes for drainage, redness or swelling. You can also use the finishing brush to brush the face.
Brushing the Mane and Tail
If needed, use a detangler when brushing the mane, forelock and tail. You want to avoid ripping out hair as you brush. When brushing the tail, stand to the side of the horse and hold the tail in your direction. Divide the tail into small sections and brush the ends before brushing the length of the tail.
Applying Conditioner and Insect Repellent
Complete the grooming process by spraying coat conditioner on your horse, follow with insect repellent. This is an extra measurement to ensure a healthy coat for your horse. You want to avoid discomfort for you horse by reducing insect bites that can cause loss of hair or skin infection.
Reward your horse when grooming is completed. Give him a small treat to enhance his enjoyment of being with you.
Resources
Horse Grooming: The BasicsHorse Grooming: An Article from Equusite.com
How to Groom a Horse: Video from Expert Village
Featured Products from:
Drs. Foster & Smith Oster Equine Care Series Collection |  | Special Edition Oster Equine Care Series Collection 7-piece Grooming Kit |
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 2:38 PM 0 Comments
When thinking about Rasheeda’s first encounter with Model was not very inviting, on Model’s part. She was in a new environment full of strangers. She communicated this through her body language. Whenever Rasheeda approached Model, she would back away with her ears back. It was only over a period of time that she would approach Rasheeda to be groomed.
Model’s behavior was understandable. It is only through persistence and soft persuasion that Rasheeda began the process of gaining Model’s trust.
Like any task at which you are trying to develop a level of proficiency, the more you work with a horse the more confident you will become in interpreting its behavior and responses. A horses use various parts of its body in responding to its environment – ears, lips, legs, tail, even facial expressions. As you work toward building a relationship with your horse, you must be able to read his body language in various situations. This will be essential when time comes for you to begin training your horse or communicating with him as a rider.
You want to observe your horse in different settings. What is he like in the pasture? How does he interact with other horses? What makes him nervous, anxious or excited? How does he display fear or distrust? What is he like when he’s relax? How do you know when he is focus on you or distracted by something?
Personal safety dictates that you realize signs of aggression. The task of understanding what your horse is trying to communicate will depend on a number of factors: the overall “personality of the horse”, is it by nature passive or somewhat aggressive. How you approach the horse – are you a stranger approaching the horse from the front or from behind? Is the horse interpreting your approach as predatory?
Some of the common signals displayed by horses include:
- Holding his head down: this usually indicate that the horse is relax;
- Lowering head, licking and chewing: many interpret this behavior as submissive
- Holding his head high: this tends to be a sign of resistence
- Ears back, teeth showing – these are warning signs that could mean aggression, anger, a high level of alertness.
- Ears held in an upward position toward you means that the horse is attentive to your directions, focus and listening to you
- Tail swishing – this tend to indicate that something is agitating your horse. It could also mean that he is bothered by flies and other pests.
- Bucking – horses will buck and run around the pasture. This is their way engaging in playful games and activities
- Turning his rear end toward you – another warning sign, the horse may be preparing to kick.
Bonding with your horse will not happen overnight. You must be willing to invest the time to get to know your horse to the point where you can recognize and understand subtle changes in his behavior or responses. Working with horses is both an art and a science and how you put your horse at ease and gain his trust is a function of how the horse is interpreting your actions. There are signals that the horse gives that shows how he is responding to you and what is immediately happening in his environment. The basic signals such as tail swishing, bucking and even licking can have different meanings within different contexts. There are many resources available on understanding horse behavior, many hold disclaimers, which should be only as a guide to help you know your horse. Horses are complex. As a new horse owner, do not simplify the nature of the horse. Be patient. You are in horse ownership for the long-term. Give yourself time to develop a win-win situation for both you and your horse.
Click on the Links Below for Additional Resources
Horse Safe: A complete Guide to Equine Safety
Encyclopedia of Farm Animal Behavior Information
The Basics of Equine Behavior
Understanding Horse Behavior
My Horse University
Horse Behavior and Welfare:
Michigan State University Extension
Labels: Training
¶ 11:14 AM 0 Comments
The following listings provides resources for finding more information on annual horse shows; characteristics and traits of different horse breeds; and the location of horse rescue organizations.
Click on the following links for more resources:
Labels: Selection
¶ 11:59 AM 0 Comments
In retrospect, buying a horse at that time would not have been a wise decision. I did not have a plan, and I did not appreciate the fact that loving horses was not enough for ownership of one. It would have been a big mistake to buy a horse without taking riding lessons and working more with horses for experience.
While I understood the costs involved in purchasing and maintaining horses, I was really inexperienced regarding temperament and behavior. Although Rasheeda’s selection of Model was based on the bonding that developed between them, there are many considerations that should lead to the decision to purchase a horse.
What Type of Horse is Best: Registered or Unregistered
Your interest and motivation in owning a horse will determine what type of horse would be best for you. Do you want a horse for pleasure or do you want a show and competition horse? The answer will have a big impact the breed of horse you select.
If you want a horse for pleasure or trail riding, an unregistered horse can be purchased. You want to look for a horse that is easy to handle and a good disposition. If you want a horse for showing or competition, then you will have to be more selective on the breed and quality of horse you purchase.
Purchasing a registered horse for showing is an investment. It will be more expensive to purchase and maintain than the non-registered horse, but the value of your horse will increase in value over time, especially if it place well in shows. You have to ensure that registration papers are current and in compliance with the breed registry. You want to make sure that the horse you purchase has been well cared for, is healthy with good traits for its breed. You want to spend time riding the horse. How does it handle with ease? You does he respond to you as an unfamiliar rider? If possible, look at a number of contenders before making your selection. This will give you a basis to make comparisons and make the best decision in a horse. Imagine what the hose would be like with more training. Different shows and competitions are based on different criteria for judging. Assess your horse on the standards set by judges.
The sex of your horse is another important factor to consider. Mares and geldings are preferred for individuals with limited experience with horses. Geldings are castrated males and tend to have slight advantage over mares because they can be more consistent and quieter. While mares may seem more elegant, they can more excitable and exhibit dramatic changes in behavior when in heat. The option to breed is the main advantage of owning a mare; her traits and temperament becomes important factors in the selection process. New owners are discouraged from owning stallions since they can be difficult, and even dangerous, to manage.
Where to Buy Your Horse
There are a number of options in buying a horse. You can buy from an auction, private breeder, a dealer or rescue organization. Although Model was a rescue horse, many professionals recommend the purchase of your first horse from a breeder.
Breeders are in business to produce a quality horse and have a satisfied customer. They know that “word of mouth” is often their best marketing channel, and they will work with you to help you select the horse that is best for you. You might find that their prices tend to be higher than other channels, but the personalized attention they provide and their knowledge of the horse can be invaluable. A disadvantage is the age of their available stock. Most of the horses are young, under the age of three, and have not received the training needed.
Another alternative is to buy your horse from a private individual. There may be any number of reasons why the horse is for sale, however like the breeder, the private seller may know more history about the horse and the extent of its training. The classifies in the newspaper may be a good start to locating persons who have a horse for sale. You can then make arrangements to visit the location of the horse and assess it in its home environment.
Dealers
Greater caution may be warranted in buying a horse from a dealer rather than a private party. Your level of knowledge about horses will determine the level of risk you assume is buying from a dealer. There are many dealers who are honest and who value their reputation, but the burden is still on you to be able to see through the hype and make an informed decision. Keep in mind that dealers are in business to make a profit, so as a buyer, beware. Ask for and check references. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the dealer. If an offer is “too good to be true”, it probably isn’t that good of a deal in the long run.
Auctions
Auctions tend to be riskier than the other sources discussed. Many times, there is only a short period in which you can observe and evaluate a horse before the bidding starts. Most of the time you are buying the horse “as is” with no guarantees as to the health of the horse or its history. If not careful, you can be the highest bidder on a horse with serious health or emotional problems.
Labels: Selection
¶ 9:36 AM 0 Comments
Horses, by nature, are prey animals. Danager may be perceived in anything object or experience that is new or novel to them. Their first reaction is flight. If a horse is cornered, however, with no where to run, it will try to fight back by biting or kicking. Model was rescued from an environment of neglect with no human interaction, to one that was strange and unfamiliar to her. Gaining her trust and minimizing fear was the first step in Rasheeda’s quest to build a relationship with her.
The dominant personality trait of horses can vary. A horse can be tense, hyper, stubborn, gentle or defiant. Unless you know the history of a particular horse, it can seem highly unpredictable and defensive. For an abused or neglected horse, its behavior can become more understandable when assessed within the context of its treatment and experiences before rescue. The approach to Model was very slow, yet deliberate. One factor that was worked in our favor was the discovery that Model liked apples and this was used to minimize her fear and eventually gain her acceptance.
Rasheeda first saw Model a month after she was rescued from Alabama. Rasheeda was in the process of learning how to groom some of the horses boarded at the stable. As her confidence with grooming increased, she began to look for other horses to work with. She saw a horse named Highlight, that later became Model. Rasheeda was initially attracted to Highlight because she thought Highlight looked like a model. Highlight began to hold her head high and developed an air of confidence and elegance about her.
The stable owner told Rasheeda that she did not think anyone could groom Highlight because she would not let anyone touch her. Through persistence, Rasheeda requests to groom Highlight were granted. Highlight ran away whenever Rasheeda approached her; so she had to groom Highlight while standing on the other side of the gate. Gain was used as an reward and incentive for allowing Rasheeda to groom her. Eventually, Rasheeda was able to go inside the gate. Grooming consisted of brushing and spraying Highlight with fly spray.
A special bond developed between Rasheeda and Highlight. Apples became a regular investment item. Rasheeda decided to adopt Highlight and rename her Model.
Labels: Selection
¶ 6:50 PM 0 Comments
Working at the stable is making Danny, Malissa and Dakari more responsible individuals. Malissa now feeds the horses with greater caution and an increased appreciation for safety issues. Malissa's advice on feeding horses: "Don't let the horse get too close to you. Shoo it horse away before you put the hay in the stall".
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 10:16 AM 0 Comments
Labels: Budgeting
¶ 5:01 PM 0 Comments
Paying the purchase price was only the first step in a long-term commitment to owning a horse. Developing a working budget for Model was an ongoing process that lasted nearly three months. As members of the local 4-H Horse Club, Danny, Melissa and DaKari decided to start participating in horse shows. As a result we ended with a budget that entailed not only care of Model but also one that included cost for shows and rider outfits.
Motivation for purchasing a horse will determine what type of horse will be best. The next decision is on where you will keep your horse.
Each of these factors will impact your budget.
Motivation for Purchasing a Horse
Different people decide to buy a horse for different reasons. Some buy a horse for participation in horse shows or races. Others buy their horse for recreational riding. Still others buy horses for therapeutic riding. Once you have determined your objective in wanting to buy a horse, you can begin assessing different types and breed of horses to find the best match for you.
You want to consider a horse’s natural and physical ability, including its potential to be trained, as criteria for suitability; especially if children will be involved with its care and riding activities. Once you have identified an purchased your horse. The expense of caring for it becomes a financial reality.
Caring for Your Horse
There are a number of alternatives on how you will care for and hourse your horse. They tend to fall within one of the two categories: keeping your horse in a stable or keeping it at pasture.
Unless you own land with suitable pasture or barn facilities, boarding your horse at a commercial stable may be your best option. The following lists some of the ongoing costs of owning a horse. Expenses vary in different regions of the country, and with different suppliers within a given location. Shop around for the services and products that will fall within your budget.
Clink on the following link (the budget format) to view a format for a working budget. Costs and fees will vary by different regions of the country so it is important to obtain estimates from a number of sources in developing your budget.
Once a working budget has been developed, it should be monitor, on a monthly basis, to identify any variances in projected cost estimates. This will establish the true cost of caring for your horse and will establish any items that are over- or under-budgeted. Varianes will flag items that may need adjusting.
Labels: Budgeting
¶ 4:35 PM 0 Comments
Rasheeda bought her in May, 2006 with hopes of training her. Model has made tremendous progress since moving to her new home in Georgia. She can now lead with a rope, back up, and lift all four feet. She is responding well to groundwork training.
Model is now one and a half years old. Rasheeda talks constantly about the potential she sees in Model.
Model represents the love and potential that can be realized by adoption of a recuse horse. Since becoming part of the family, the budget for her care and training is regularly updated.
We will share more about the efforts of horse rescue agencies and financial considerations of owning a horse in the next post.
Labels: More About Model
¶ 6:01 PM 1 Comments
