| Whether you and the horse you are working with | | | | case that you will still have to repeat a previous |
| are experienced, in competitive work-out, learning | | | | lesson. Many times, just because the horse is |
| from a trainer, or alone in your exercises; | | | | older, or doesn't "spook" easily, or seemingly has |
| short-term goals can be a life-saver! In all | | | | plenty of hours under the saddle; you may still run |
| disciplines and in all situations, working with a horse | | | | into some "holes" in an older horse's training. |
| requires the "herd leader", "trainer", or "handler" = | | | | Therefore, your short-term goal for that |
| You, to have some, or one short-term goal(s) in | | | | occurrence, will be taking some backward steps |
| mind... | | | | to clear up any misunderstandings. |
| Of course, the number of short-term goals that | | | | You can see how your goals will also need to be |
| you schedule during each encounter with your | | | | flexible. It is one thing, to set out training your |
| equine partner, should match your skill level and | | | | horse with a particular plan in mind, but all too |
| your horses ability level. Yes, horses also poses | | | | often, once you are out there, things can change |
| different ability levels, based on a variety of | | | | quickly. So, it is important to remember that the |
| factors. | | | | horse will require that you can adjust accordingly. |
| Obviously, young horses will require extensive | | | | It is also best to end on a "good note". Great |
| training and patience along with some small steps | | | | trainers know that horses have an incredible |
| as your short-terms goals. It is important to let | | | | memory. They will remember their last encounter |
| the horse absorb the new information, to keep | | | | with you sometimes better than you do. Make |
| things under perspective. This will help identify | | | | them want to see you again and feel good about |
| your pace, while increasing their experiences and | | | | what you discovered together. |
| levels of ability while decreasing frustrations. | | | | Other obstacles in practice include the tack that |
| It is helpful for the inexperienced riders to obtain | | | | you have available. There are so many choices |
| some type of lessons, as horseback riding | | | | these days, even experts are finding new |
| requires intricate knowledge of these animals, | | | | techniques and "improved" equipment is worth |
| which can make the whole experience more | | | | testing. It can be your favorite, most comfortable |
| enjoyable and safer for horse and rider. When | | | | saddle that your horse has finally had enough of |
| choosing to employ professional assistance, keep | | | | and refuses to continue with! It could be the spurs |
| in mind the type of riding discipline you prefer | | | | that you are using, or the bit in his mouth. Shop |
| along with some of your preferences in your | | | | around, be open to advise and new techniques, as |
| trainer's style and demeanor. Since your success | | | | they are arising constantly. Have fun with it, we |
| and investment is determined by how organized | | | | can always learn something new - no matter how |
| your goals are before you interview for those | | | | much we think we know. |
| lessons, plan out strategies according to your | | | | Whatever is bothering the horse, they can only |
| intent of obtaining lessons. | | | | tell you in their behavior, or body-language. As |
| Some "older", "seasoned" horses may not have | | | | your horse's leader, you must become |
| what it takes to endure a great training day. | | | | knowledgeable about how they can understand |
| Sometimes it is due to physical limitations, other | | | | you and you, them. Set goals with that learning |
| limiting situations may arise due to some lack the | | | | curve in mind too. All of your experiences with |
| basic training. You may even encounter something | | | | the horse begins on the ground, before any riding. |
| that the horse needs to be reminded about. In | | | | At that time, before you are in the saddle and |
| order for a horse to perform some of the | | | | starting with your greeting of the day, you can |
| obstacles and transitions that you would expect | | | | set goals to earn the respect of your four-legged |
| from a horse that is not "green", it is not a rare | | | | friends. |