So, this post is going to be on how to re-train a horse with pressure sensitivity issues. I recently had the opportunity to work with a massive 23-year-old ex-racehorse named Commander. Commander is essentially dead to pressure and as a very large horse, it can make him dangerous to work with. The techniques I am going to go over work on horses on both ends of the pressure sensitivity scale, namely the horses, who like Commander are mostly dead to pressure as well as horses who over-react to everything.
The type of training I am going to be teaching you is a simple method I call Contact-Free Ground Training, or Suggestion Training. The theory behind this training is that you are using no pressure or contact between the horse and you. Instead you are using the suggestion of pressure.
When you are doing this type of training, I do warn you that it will not work the same on every horse. Most respond well, including very young horses. I have used these techniques on three-month-old foals to great effect., but there is always the odd one out, the horse that will not respond to this kind of training.
Starting
What You Will Need:
- A halter with a lead attached- I prefer to use rope halters, but it is still effective with a regular halter.
- Treats or some kind of reward system
To start with, the way you hold the lead is vital. Since you aren't using any pressure or contact, you need to have the rope very loose. You will have approximately 2-3 feet of rope between you and the horse, with more for a larger horse. The rest of the rope can be in your other hand or the same hand that you will be using to direct the horse. You want to have the hand holding the rope up high, near the horse's eyes where he can see the rope. If you trust the horse not to panic, wiggle the rope slightly to get his attention on it. He needs to be focused on the rope, because it will be what is directing him. To start with, walk backwards across an area where you will not trip, holding that rope near the horse's face. You want to keep his attention on the rope so his head follows the rope, and therefore the rest of his body. If you need to tug to get him going, that is alright, just make sure the rope is up and loose as you walk. Once his body is nice and straight in front of the rope, stop and push the rope back to one side of his head and tell him to stop with a vocal command if he knows those. Make sure you stop walking, even if he doesn't at first. Don't let yourself get run over, but try not to keep moving. This will help him understand that he is supposed to stop. Then, do the same thing again until you think he is stopping well. From the stopping position, determine which way you want to turn. Then, step backwards and in that direction, moving the rope as well, making sure to keep it up. Keep backing up and your horse will start to follow you. Repeat in both directions until your horse follows easily. It's really that easy! With consistent practice, you will be able to lower the rope and still have the horse follow with little contact. To you Western riders who know what I am talking about, this principle is similar to neck reining and a horse who has had this ground training will likely take better to neck reining.
Thanks for reading, and happy riding!
Until next time,
Rowan Sierra
