Horse & Rider

Are You Bugging Your Horse?

You wouldn’t dream of sabotaging your horse’s training or making his life miserable. But if you routinely make the blunders I discuss here, you’re guilty of exactly that. Your horse learns not only from the lessons you teach him on purpose, but also from a whole range of things you do that affect him on a daily basis. As the saying goes, you’re either training or un-training him every moment you’re with him. Plus your attitude and approach to training can influence how well he responds to you.

Avoid the blunders I describe here, and you’ll improve your horsemanship, increase your horse’s responsiveness, and make him happier.

Here’s what to stop doing.

1. Pick, Pick, Pick

Constantly nagging your horse to get the response you want. You’re like the mother who’s forever yelling “stop

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