Step two - Discover horsemanship philosophy & Methodology in the round pen
Round Pen - Extended Touch
Step Two - Extended Touch with Lariat in Left & Right Direction
Our Goals:
Horse learns to accept extended touch from human hands with lariat
Horse learns how to stay still and accept extended touch from human in any direction
Horse learns to trust human
Human learns to trust the horse and build relationship between each other
Problems Being Solved:
Lack of confidence with moving objects around the horse body
Horse is unable to control their emotions with moving objects
Trust issues
Unable to touch horse
Horse does not stand still
Trail Riding
Tacking issues
Kicking
Why do I refer to this important step in the training process as extended touch? It is because, at this crucial stage, the horse is not permitted to encroach upon our personal space just yet. During this time, the horse does not fully trust us, and conversely, we do not yet trust the horse either. This mutual need for space and respect is vital for building a solid foundation of trust that will be essential as we progress further in our training journey together.
To successfully accomplish this important second step, we need to utilize the foundational support provided by the first step, ensuring that we can move forward consistently in both the left and the right directions. So, how do we begin the process of touching our horse for the very first time? In this situation, I choose to use the lariat, as it serves effectively as an extension of my own body, allowing me to connect with the horse in a more controlled and gentle manner.
The first time that you ask your horse to go forward, it is important that you do not throw the rope directly onto your horse. Instead, take the rope in your hands and act as though you are going to throw it. This method helps prepare your horse for what is to come. Your horse may become understandably upset and could start to run faster within the confines of the round pen. Continue with your actions and pretend to throw the rope until your horse starts to show signs of calmness and begins to travel at a consistent and steady speed. It is essential to repeat this step as many times as it takes for your horse to achieve a state of calmness and comfort.
I have been told on numerous occasions by my clients that their horses run exceptionally fast and seem unable to calm down, leading them to believe that their horses are not quite ready for the lariat just yet. My answer to them is always the same: it is not the horse that is unprepared; rather, it is the handler who may not be consistent enough in their approach and is not yet capable of managing their own emotions effectively.
Developing the ability to read your horse's body language is crucial. This skill will help you know when to apply pressure with the lariat and when to release it. Recognizing these signals can greatly improve your training results.
The horse may attempt to escape from the pressure it feels by trying to flee from the confines of the round pen. It is essential to remember to release the pressure immediately if this occurs and to prioritize safety above all else. Again, it is very important that you continue practicing this step until your horse displays a calm demeanor, moving in a consistent gait and coming to a halt when you throw the lariat on him. This specific response is the result we are seeking in this training exercise. At this stage, it is still not crucial which direction your horse travels in; he may choose to move to the left or to the right without any preference.
It is very important, when you work in either the left or the right direction and when engaging with the left and the right sides of the brain, that you effectively release the pressure between each exercise. This release allows the horse to catch his breath and to become calm and centered once again. You are not only teaching your horse to stay still during this step, but at the same time, your horse is also learning the valuable lesson of patience. Therefore, in just these two steps that I have shared with you, it is crucial to note that we are proceeding without any aggression. We have not pulled on the horse's face; rather, we have focused on reading his body language, allowing him to understand our own body language as well. This approach is fundamental in starting to build trust and effective communication with him in a safe and nurturing environment.
As you can begin to clearly see, each step in my educational program connects gracefully to the next step, and is quite similar to a recipe when baking a delicious cake. If you happen to skip any essential ingredients, you will ultimately not enjoy the final cake as much as you could have. Likewise, we want to ensure that we genuinely enjoy our relationships with our horses. Therefore, let us diligently follow the steps in the proper order to effectively build and strengthen our horsemanship partnership.
All of my steps and lessons are also available for your viewing pleasure, as it can be incredibly beneficial for a visual approach to learning. I invite you to join me at this exciting opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills in horsemanship. Russ Krachun Performance Horsemanship | Equine Educational Program with Videos and Articles | Patreon