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Training Tips

Training Tips
November 11, 2014

Training Tip: Conquer Your Horse’s Fear of the Arena

When you’re working with an arena-shy horse, don’t think, “How can I make him get in the arena?” Think, “How can I make it uncomfortable for him not to go in the arena?” You’ll do that by working the horse hard where he wants to be (outside the arena) and letting him rest where you […]

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Training Tips
November 4, 2014

Training Tip: Move Those Feet

Horses establish dominance by being able to move each other’s feet. The most dominant horse in a herd can make all the other horses move their feet forwards, backwards, left and right. Horses use that same principle when they are around us. Anytime you can move your horse’s feet forwards, backwards, left and right, you […]

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Training Tips
October 28, 2014

Training Tip: Three Ingredients to a Truly Broke Horse

Many horses are rideable, but few are truly well broke. I define a well broke horse as one who is quiet, dependable, soft and responsive, in any situation – in the arena or on the trail. Of course, many factors go into how far a horse’s training can go, including breeding, temperament and the method […]

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Training Tips
October 21, 2014

Training Tip: Stay a Step Ahead of a Barn Sour Horse

One way to deter a barn sour horse from wanting to rush back to the barn is to come back to the barn from different directions or on different paths. In other words, try not to always come back to the barn from the same trail. Or, when you do come back to the barn, […]

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Training Tips
October 14, 2014

Training Tip: Take the Halter off Safely

It’s a great habit to teach your horse to lower his head and then tip his head toward you when you’re haltering and unhaltering him. It’s an especially good habit when you’re turning your horse out and bringing him in. If his head is low and tipped toward you, it’s a submissive position and is […]

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Training Tips
October 7, 2014

Training Tip: Handle a Problem From the Ground

When I apprenticed with Ian Francis, he told me: “There are a lot of heroes in the graveyard.” Too many people try to play the hero by riding an unprepared or difficult horse and end up getting bucked off. They break their necks and die because they didn’t use their heads. If you’re having a […]

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Training Tips
September 30, 2014

Training Tip: Dealing With Your Horse’s Magnet to the Trailer

If you’re at a show or on a trail ride, it’s common for your horse to develop a magnet with the trailer. In your horse’s mind, the trailer is equivalent to getting to rest, munch on hay and hang out with his buddies. Rather than trying to keep the horse away from the trailer, let […]

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Training Tips
September 23, 2014

Training Tip: Are You Teaching Your Horse Bad Turnout Manners?

Almost all horses that bolt away in the pasture are a product of their handler’s negligence. Think about how you turn your horse out. Most people lead their horse out to the pasture and once they reach the gate, they immediately take the halter off and let the horse walk away from them. It doesn’t […]

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Training Tips
September 16, 2014

Training Tip: Respect Without Fear

You want your horse to respect you, but not fear you. If a horse is afraid of the person training him, he’ll spend more time worrying about the situation and trying to escape it than trying to figure out how to do the lesson. People are the exact same way. It’s nearly impossible to learn […]

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Training Tips
September 9, 2014

Training Tip: A Good Stud Makes a Great Gelding

One of the best things my mentor Gordon McKinlay ever told me as an apprentice was “If he’s a good stud, he’ll make a great gelding.” I have never forgotten those words, especially when I established my breeding program. Ninety-five percent of the studs out there should not be studs. I know I’m going to […]

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