Horse Handler
What training would you like to undertake? Would you like to be regarded as a standout horse handler, someone who is respected and recognized as being in control and a leader among horse owners and riders. Pictured is advanced student David Gray of Abilene.
Hearts4Horses
Passion for Truth
Those of you who share my passion will understand, you will instinctively relate to my
relentless questioning of everything to do with horses. I accept nothing as fact until
proven, I challenge everything about how horses are treated.
I will not rest until my understanding is complete, that may never happen in my lifetime. One thing I know, is that many of the revelations I have made, will profoundly affect your understanding and love of our mutual passion.
I will not rest until my understanding is complete, that may never happen in my lifetime. One thing I know, is that many of the revelations I have made, will profoundly affect your understanding and love of our mutual passion.
Articles
What my principles are and why they succeed.
Leading for lightness
by Dale M Moulton
3/7/06
Having your horse light and responsive is a joy not all experience. The technique I use
is simple and effective, takes a little time and perseverance, but always works.
Personally I start horses with my Loose Ring Noose, not a bridle. I actually keep right
away from a horses head initially, keeping it highly sensitized to touch. I love
lightness in a horse and preserve the sensitivity of the nose, upper head and poll, and
the lips and mouth to attain that outcome.
First you need to ensure Rio moves well with you laterally. When you move sideways, he needs to follow you, both to the left and the right, staying right at your side. That is very important and this exercise needs to be addressed before the leading can be completed. Tell me if he does not do this and I will give you the exercise to ensure he does.
Once you have established the lateral movement sequence you are ready for the next step.
You are going to begin the process of keeping Rio next to you like a shadow with a simple exercise.
I like using a fence as a guide, but a line of trees or other straight obstacle will suffice.
Start by holding your lead rope in your right hand, a forearms length from the halter attachment loop. Outstretch your right arm forward and up so he can clearly see it. Walk forward keeping a position just in front of the horses front legs. STOP.
When your horse takes the extra step, IMMEDIATELY execute a tight circle to the left, back to the original orientation when you asked for the initial stop. You can, when you stop, accentuate the stop with a stamp. I use stamp stops a lot in the early leading training as it emulates the herd leaders stamping for danger, and gets them to stop and take notice of you. This action has a duel purpose of inferring leadership at the same time. Usually the first response is a small but rapid movement as a result of the stamp. That quickly fades with repetition but the horse will still look around and put the ears forward to look for the danger you apparently saw. Repeat until the horse walks calmly at your chosen position alongside of you.
First you need to ensure Rio moves well with you laterally. When you move sideways, he needs to follow you, both to the left and the right, staying right at your side. That is very important and this exercise needs to be addressed before the leading can be completed. Tell me if he does not do this and I will give you the exercise to ensure he does.
Once you have established the lateral movement sequence you are ready for the next step.
You are going to begin the process of keeping Rio next to you like a shadow with a simple exercise.
I like using a fence as a guide, but a line of trees or other straight obstacle will suffice.
Start by holding your lead rope in your right hand, a forearms length from the halter attachment loop. Outstretch your right arm forward and up so he can clearly see it. Walk forward keeping a position just in front of the horses front legs. STOP.
When your horse takes the extra step, IMMEDIATELY execute a tight circle to the left, back to the original orientation when you asked for the initial stop. You can, when you stop, accentuate the stop with a stamp. I use stamp stops a lot in the early leading training as it emulates the herd leaders stamping for danger, and gets them to stop and take notice of you. This action has a duel purpose of inferring leadership at the same time. Usually the first response is a small but rapid movement as a result of the stamp. That quickly fades with repetition but the horse will still look around and put the ears forward to look for the danger you apparently saw. Repeat until the horse walks calmly at your chosen position alongside of you.