Ep 105: Diversifying Your Training
I believe that to become great at something, you must be laser focused on the steps it takes to become great at that specific thing. However, sometimes, we become so focused on that one thing that we forget about keeping things fun for ourselves and our horses.
This year, I have made a point to focus on diversifying my training. Mixing up my training methods and trying new things is a way to keep things fresh and to keep my horse’s mind engaged.
Any time you are helping your horse to look and find the desired responses, you are benefiting that horse. Even if they are not responses you normally ask for, you are reinforcing triggers and helping the horse use the thinking side of its brain to find the response. No matter what discipline you are doing, you are working to create a more well-rounded horse.
As you progress your horse through its training, it will likely take you less and less time to perform the task you set out to do during each training session. Just because you complete the task at hand quicker doesn’t necessarily mean you should spend less time on your horse. I’m a firm believer that the only way to develop great feel, timing and balance is to spend more time in the saddle. If you’ve completed the task you set out to do today, put your hand down and take a moment to show your horse something new.
Before you try something new, it is important to make sure that your horse has a solid enough foundation to be exposed to that new thing without hindering its progress in its main discipline. Focus on correct repetitions of your fundamentals, and once your horse performs well, reward that effort. Allow them to relax, let them know they did a good job, then you are ready to introduce something new.
If your horse does not respond well to trying something new, don’t push too much. Always be mindful to introduce new things slowly, 1% at a time.
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