This video continues the exercises from P1, where we were increasing relaxation in groundwork. Now, we’ve working on reducing tension and rushing when riding lateral exercises. (Watch P1 first)
Tension when riding is common and is shown through behaviours such as rushing, resisting, tail swishing, ear-pinning, napping, spooking and getting anxious or, in the case of some clicker trained horses, trying too hard and getting all worked up about an exercise to get the reward.
Elfine is a rescued Arab mare who came to her owner Sophie with a lot of behavioural issues, making her quite dangerous to handle. Sophie has done a super job with her and she’s improved loads, but she’s very sensitive and highly reactive, so is quick to get anxious, cross or tense.
In this lesson, you’ll learn some positive reinforcement techniques to help your horse stay more relaxed, softer and stop rushing when you’re riding. We look at clarifying Sophie’s cues and helping her to ask as lightly as possible with her aids to help Elfine stay relaxed. We also focus on slowing everything down and rewarding calmer moments to draw attention to that steady softness and reduce her rushing.
We’re focusing on lateral exercises like leg-yield and shoulder-in here, but you can use these techniques for all ridden exercises to help your horse listen to you and stay calm.
➣The CT Club is an online membership site where you can get access to hundreds of step-by-step training videos on training your horse using positive reinforcement, both on the ground and for riding. You can see this lesson unabridged in FULL, along with all the case study lessons following Elfine’s progress. Our entire approach is focused on training to help our horses find the best emotional balance and you will find specific step-by-step videos in the Foundation Course on how to increase motivation, relaxation or focus with all types of horses. The emphasis throughout all our videos on the ground and in the saddle is on how to train it with a calm, happy horse. You can find out more and sign up here. We look forward to seeing you there 🙂
➤ You can also find out more in the #1 bestselling Connection Training BOOK 📖 Get it on Amazon (search for ‘Connection Training’) or download Chapter 1 free here for a preview 👀
If you enjoyed this blog, please share it with your friends using the buttons below. Tell us your thoughts, questions and experiences in the comments section and/or sign up to our mailing list below. You will receive a FREE Video Seminar on The 4 Elements of Connection Training!
☟Scroll down the page to subscribe!☟
