Horses are creatures of habit. They love routines and learn them easily and quickly. This is to our benefit when we want to teach a horse a pattern such as barrel racing or pole bending. It is also to our benefit when we teach a horse to sidepass over a pole or back through the poles. He sees the pattern (or obstacle), knows what will be required of him and practically negotiates it on his own. However, routines can lead to anticipation. The barrel horse cuts in too close to the barrel and knocks it over. The trail class horse tries to back through poles that he should have sidepassed. The dressage horse changes gait before he is asked. The trail horse tries to run back to the barn. Anticipation can cost you points in the arena, and can be a problem at home. Following these simple tips can help prevent difficult habits that can cause a strained relationship with your horse.
When a horse has a bad habit, the first thing to do is to think, "Why?" Why does a horse try to stop at the gate? Is it because he is a "bad" horse? No, it is because he will be (or has been) rewarded at the gate. It is the end of the ride. His "work" is over. The cure? Never stop at the gate. Think about what you are telling your horse with every action that you make. Dismount in a different place, every time (away from the gate) consistently so he won't know when the ride is over. If he stops at the gate and refuses to move past it, make him move away from the gate, even if you need a helper to do so. Then, when you do dismount, keep him saddled and bridled for a while. His reason for wanting the ride to end will lose its appeal.
If your horse tries to run back to the barn, you must make it more comfortable for the horse to do what you require him to do. An effective correction is to make him circle three or four times in small, tight circles at the first sign of his attempt to run towards the barn. This must be done immediately and consistently--each and every time. You must time your correction to within three seconds for a horse to associate it with his crime. He must learn that is more comfortable to obey than to disobey.
The circling correction can be used in various situations. It is an easy way to communicate with your horse that what he has done is unacceptable. It is best performed in a snaffle, but whatever the necessary bit, quickly turn your horse’s head the moment he begins to disobey and push him into a tight circle. Three circles is generally effective. Not only does this tell a horse he misbehaved, it reinforces basic obedience.
The trail class horse is required to wait for you to cue him to negotiate an obstacle. Patience is necessary for both horse and rider. To prevent his anticipation, approach an obstacle and instead of cuing your horse to step into the required movement, stop next to the obstacle, pause, and then cue him to walk away. The next time, put him into position and wait. If he tries to anticipate the movement, make him go forward. Walk him out of the obstacle without asking him to perform. Vary your routine regularly and train your horse in this way to wait for your cue to perform. This also applies to the dressage arena. Proper training takes time and patience, but the results are worth the effort and in a short time you will have a well-behaved horse.
Horses learn habits so easily that we must be aware of what we are teaching by our actions--or inactions. Every time that you ride, your horse learns something, whether you are aware of it or not. Think of what you may be telling him. If you let a horse "win" when he misbehaves or acts defiant, you have taught him he does not have to obey, which can cause results beyond the obvious. If a horse is allowed to go around when he refuses to cross water, how will he behave when you must cross a muddy area on the trail? In his mind, he got his way once, so why not once again? Consider the possibility that the situation may remind him of a negative past experience and work with him gently, but firmly. Teach him that since you say it is okay, it is so. Allow his trust in your judgment to grow.
It is important to recognize the critical trust relationship between you and your horse as it is constantly being built and tested. As you ride and work with your horse, be aware of the decisions you are making for him. Each time that you ask him to do something and he obeys, if it works out positively for him, his trust in you will grow. Conversely, if you get angry and rough or you force him to do something that is foolish or beyond his limits, he will be more likely to balk when asked again. Teaching your horse that he can rely on your cues and directions will build the bond between you and create a working relationship that will take you further than any crop or harsh bit ever will.
As you learn to think the way your horse does and you begin to know his habits and tendencies, you will be able to anticipate his moments of expectation and can cue him accordingly before he acts on his own. He will begin to trust your cues and direction and you will start working together as a team. There is no greater feeling than the realization of the synergy of horse and rider working together to get the job done, and no greater winning strategy in the show ring.
