Don’t take it personally, it’s only feedback!

By: Neil Pye

In my recent article - available HERE - on horse folks (who the world over are not known for finding common ground), it was observed that in increasing numbers, horse owners and lovers are finding agreement that success with horses is directly linked to the quality of a horse’s Foundation Training. 

As a reminder the four areas involved in achieving foundational training were recognized as

• Ground Exercises
• Arena Exercises
• Outside riding and living
• Sport or Recreation Purpose

So lets explore the first and most important aspect of these Foundation areas. Ground Exercises. The good news is it doesn’t involve push ups or Pilates!

GROUND EXERCISES – explained in rather unambiguous terms as, “ Quite simply the most effective way to develop a safe, calm and cooperative horse.” A bold statement for some who are of the old school of , “ just get on and ride “, so lets take a closer look as to why ground work may well be the missing link to really understanding our horse and his training.

Firstly, we need to see all that a horse does (be it deemed good or bad) is always just feedback to whatever it was we just did to them or asked of them. By seeing all horse actions as feedback to our actions, we take the value judgments out of it and simply call it what it is.  It isn’t that the horse is naughty or nice, or that we are right or wrong in what we are doing, it’s just feedback!

Horses give Feedback all the time, such as pushing into you. If a horse is being reluctant or refusing to do as you request such as load into a float or trailer, this may well be the feedback you need to consider a different approach and explore this “ ground stuff “ .

Probably a good reminder here not to take it personal!

The decision to work firstly on the ground with our horse will open up to a whole new level of awareness and the opportunity presents itself to add to, or in some cases, dramatically rewire your whole approach to horse training.

Being confident before you ride that you have your horse willingly and happily yield easily his hindquarters, forequarters, back up, come forward, travel easily in a requested direction and speed all while being calm, happy, and confident while you are still standing on the ground makes real sense to know before climbing on his back.

Once you practice the exercises on the ground you’ll see how it’s a chance to measure the way your horse perceives you and your requests, so that you get instant feedback right there and then to how things are today, and when you know that you’ll have a much better time in the saddle!

To see how you can gain more fun and enjoyment from your time with your horse, come witness the thrills and excitement of cutting edge horse behaviour strategies that are helping all facets of the horse world.

See Pat Parelli & Linda Parelli on their 2015 Australian Tour this November, for more information visit www.parelliaustraliatour.com or call 1800 460 988 today.