03/17/2025
Today I pulled my horse out and rode for maybe 15-20 min. This sounds like a short ride with not much productivity, but it’s actually the opposite!
The horse I rode today struggles more then most with trying to find the right answer, he gets frustrated easily and would rather act out, then “try” to understand what I am asking of him. Our rides average an hour to an hour and a half most days just trying to get that 1% better out of him.
But today I pulled him out, saddled him and everything he responded with was light and supple. Did he make a few mistakes? Sure! But I could tell he didn’t want any problems, and was “Trying” So, early on, I knew I had to get off this horse quick! I asked for all the maneuvers we have been working on, didn’t dwell on them, asked and moved on. I was not looking for perfection, only for him to “try” and he did. Then I got off in the middle of the arena, loosened my cinch and put him away!
Always reward the “try!” It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as my example, maybe a rest or a pat, or leasurly walk for a good “Try.”
Now, I’m not hear to say he won’t ever throw a fit again, for sure he will! But I promise you the next time that horse thinks about throwing a fit he’s going to remember that time when he “tried”, his life was easy. Make the right things EASY and the wrong things HARD!
