Think Like a Horse - 3rd Human Responsibility

Question 1

Is it Fear?

Answer 1

Friendly Game tactics - confidence in the human environment
Retreat, walk, go slower, stand still, lateral flexion

When your horse says “I can’t” and resiste by bracing, fleeing, or exploding. Remember the three R’s - Rhythm, Relaxation, and Retreat. Make sure you are using rhythm, then retreat and approach.

Question 2

Is it Dominance?

Answer 2

Porcupine/Driving Game
improve yielding with porcupine and driving to steady/rhythmic pressure

When your horse says “ I Won’t” and resists by pushing, leaning, or “driving”. DO NOT get mad. Keep a good attitude and don’t get aggressive. Focus on the yield, use your phases, and RELEASE when your horse yields.

Question 3

Is it Confusion?

Answer 3

Isolate, Separate, Recombine
Make it simple, Exaggerate, and restart

Slow Down, break it down into simplest little things, and make sure that my horse understands before putting it all back together to see if he understands

When your horse just doesn’t seem to understand and looks “lost”. Check your setup, ask yourself how would you present your idea so your horse couldn’t get it “wrong”?

Question 4

What are the 4 Causes of Opposition Reflex?

Answer 4

1. Fear
2. Dominance
3. Confusion
4. Pain

Question 5

Is it Pain?

Answer 5

Don’t rule out pain, if you feel that it isn’t purely a behavioral issue, don’t keep pushing.