Training and Riding Goals

The other day I was talking to a riding acquaintance about goals and the rider commented, “I don’t show my horse, I only trail ride so why do I need training goals?”

This same person had also shared they were having trouble with the horse standing while mounting, rushing back home, and several other minor problems that seemed to be growing. Of course the owner blamed the horse for “bad” behavior. I suggested the horse was being a horse, and maybe if a few concrete goals were set for both horse and rider with progression easily managed, then their steed would be an enjoyable ride.

How do you set goals with successful results? I found the easiest is the list method. List the behavior you want. Example: Standing still while mounting, then list how you will accomplish that goal. Remember to break it down into tiny steps. Most training holes or problems are because a rider has yet to figure out the cause and effect of our actions and the horse’s reaction.

Example of cause and effect: You go to mount up, and as soon as you put weight in the stir-up your horse takes a step. You then quickly swing your leg over and yank on the reins. The horse throws its head up to get away from the pressure and takes two or three more steps, maybe he stops. Next time you put weight in the stir-up the horse bolts, bites or other unsafe behavior anticipating the pain the rider will cause in his mouth. Remember folks, horses have excellent memories and every time you ride are teaching them to respond to your cues for better or worse.

Let’s go back to the list. You listed the behavior of standing, now list the horse’s behavior each step of the way. Example: Stand in mounting position, notice and write down your horse’s facial expression. Is he interested, bored, excited, worried? Next, place your foot in the stir-up, what is your horse’s body language doing? Swishing tail, ears flatten, alert, sleepy, what? Write it down. Pay careful attention when you put weight in the stir-up. Are you kicking the horse with the toe of your boot, did you gather up the reins and put contact on the horse's mouth similar pressure you use to cue a trot? Are you using the mane instead of the horn to guide your body up and over the horse? Do you pull the saddle toward you when mounting, thus wrenching the nerves in his back?

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