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Training Tips

Training Tips
January 28, 2014

Training Tip: Use What You Got, Part 1

  When it comes to training your horse, your imagination is your greatest tool. The more creative you can be in your lessons, the more interested your horse will be in his job. You’ve heard me say, “Consistency is your greatest ally and inconsistency is your greatest enemy.” And that’s absolutely true.

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Training Tips
January 21, 2014

Training Tip: It’s Called A Soft Feel, Not A Soft Look

  Collection should feel light in your hands, not heavy. In other words, don’t worry about where your horse’s head is at; you’re only concerned with how he feels in your hands. I tell people that it’s called a soft feel, not a soft look. That’s the difference between my method and some of the […]

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Training Tips
January 14, 2014

Training Tip: Lateral Flexion Is The Key To Vertical Flexion

  Long before I even think of teaching a horse how to give vertically to the bit and collect, I teach him how to flex his head from side to side. Whenever a horse’s body is straight from his head to his tail, he’s practicing resistance. With that being said, once you start to teach […]

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Training Tips
December 31, 2013

Training Tip: Going In Reverse Under Saddle

  When I introduce backing up to a horse, I always start by yielding the horse’s hindquarters first and then asking the horse to back up a step. By yielding the horse’s hindquarters, you’re putting energy in his feet and then just redirecting it backwards. Think about it like this – what’s the hardest part […]

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Training Tips
December 24, 2013

Training Tip: Horses Don’t Have Hard Mouths

  People often complain to me about their horse leaning against the bit and pulling on the reins. “He has a hard mouth, Clinton. How do I fix him?” they’ll ask.

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Training Tips
December 17, 2013

Training Tip: Teach Vertical Flexion With The Hot Potato Give

  The first step to teaching a horse how to collect is to teach him to give to the bit, period. Always start at the standstill, and then progress through the gaits as the horse understands. The ultimate goal is collection, but in the beginning, it is just a soft feel. When you first pick […]

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Training Tips
December 10, 2013

Training Tip: Keep Your Horse Guessing

  You always want your horse thinking, “What’s next?” If you constantly keep him guessing about what you’ll ask him to do, he’ll be forced to tune into you. That means mixing up your training sessions so you don’t practice the same exercises in the same order. It also means that you’re conscious of being […]

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Training Tips
December 3, 2013

Training Tip: Have A Speedy Horse? Test Your Control At Home

  If your horse has a tendency to race ahead when you’re riding in a group, here’s a way to teach him to relax. Find a controlled environment like an arena or a large pasture and enlist the help of a friend on horseback. Start at the walk and ride side by side, about 15 […]

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Training Tips
November 26, 2013

Training Tip: Be Mindful Of Yourself To Curb Anticipation In Your Horse

  If you’re having trouble with your horse getting ahead of you, stop and assess the situation. Without realizing it, you may be unintentionally giving your horse “pre-cues” to a maneuver. When I was riding Mindy regularly, I had to be very careful of this. Because she was so in tune to me after 13 […]

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Training Tips
November 12, 2013

Training Tip: Horse Overreacts To Other Horses On The Trail

  It’s common for horses to get excited when they see other horses on the trail. Anytime a horse starts to use the reactive side of his brain and it feels like you’re losing control, redirect his energy in a positive way. When a horse uses the reactive side of his brain, the only way […]

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