06/27/2018
There are 3 indispensable things in any successful c**t starting program. Neither of which can be forced, imposed or rushed. They all must be EARNED.
#1. TRUST - Horses are prey animals and humans are predators by nature, therefore is natural for a horse to trigger it's "flight or fight" isntinct response when first relating with us. We need to convince the horse in a kind, patient and knowledgeable way that we don't represent a threat. You can not attempt to train a horse that is not relaxed and comfortable around you.
#2. RESPECT - After we have EARNED their TRUST, we can start showing our new partner that we can also be relayed in as their LEADER. There is a difference between an leader and a boss. A leader shows by example, motivates, and encourages others to give the best of themselves with "positive reinforcement", while a boss simply gives orders, directs, and reprehends mistakes with "negative reinforcement".
At the same time some game rules need to be set, as of which lines can be crossed as which can not.
#3. TIMING - All horses have different skills, aptitudes, abilities, and they all learn at different speeds, just like us humans do.
Therefore it's the trainer's duty to be able to identify every single horse's skills and limitations, as well as how much and how fast a horse can be pushed. Push too much too fast, and your horse will get frustrated and loose interest quickly in what you're trying to teach him. Push too little and you'll never learn your horse's full potential. Always set your horses up for success, never ask more than they can physically and mentally give you, recognize the little tries and reward them for it. A horse will always give you a try as long as he understand what you are asking. The name of the game is Patience, consistency and persistence.
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid" - Albert Einstein.
