Step five - discover horsemanship philosophy & methodology in the round pen

Round Pen - Turn Outside

Step Five - Teach your Horse to Turn Outside from Left and Right Direction - Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology in the Round Pen

Goals:

• Human learns body language methodology

• Human learns body language of the horse

• Horse learns human body language

• horse learns to change direction left & right directions by turning outside and face human with hindquarters

• Horse learns to trust and respect human from the hindquarters

• Horse learns how to use his hindquarters when turning in the left and right direction

• Horse learns how to stop by using his hindquarters

• Horse learns to use the left and right sides of the brain by turning outside and improve coordination and control emotions at various speeds

Problems Solved:

• Lack of confidence to the hindquarters

• Horse will not stand still

• Horse does not travel in correct lead

• Improving the horses use of his hindquarters in the stop and in the turn

• Horse that does not want to join up to human

I hope you understand the earlier steps in the round pen and my explanations and that you have begun to use these steps to build a safe and trusting relationship with your horse.

The next step in your training process is to teach your horse to turn away from you to both the left and right sides. This means you are essentially asking the horse to turn in such a way that its hindquarters are facing you while simultaneously moving in a new, specified direction. It is natural to wonder if it is unsafe to have the horse's hips and heels directed towards you during this exercise. Additionally, you might have heard from other experienced trainers that it is always advisable to work with the horse while it is facing you, rather than from behind, which can raise concerns about safety and control.

I would like to share an example of working around the hind end of the horse.

One day at a friends barn, I observed a horse owner and her farrier working diligently with a horse to properly trim its hind feet. The owner was holding the horse with a lead rope while it kicked out repeatedly, clearly agitated and unwilling to stand still for the farrier. In their frustration, they both began yelling at the horse, urging it to stand quiet and stay still, repeatedly shouting "whoa." In a moment of desperation, the farrier struck the horse with the rasp in the ribcage. To me, the underlying issue in this situation was not the horse's behavior nor the farrier's response, but rather the owner's responsibility. This horse had not been adequately taught to have confidence from the hind end and to remain calm and still during such procedures.

There are many individuals who have spent years around horses yet still do not grasp the crucial importance of building confidence with their equine partners and what this truly entails. As a result, they often place themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations due to their failure to adequately prepare their horses by fostering this essential confidence. This lack of understanding can lead to significant challenges in their horsemanship journey.

Many people have spent years around horses but don't grasp what it means to build a horse's confidence. This lack of understanding can lead to dangerous situations for themselves, their horses, and others in the barn.

Let's start Step #5: "Teach your horse to turn outward to the left and right." I will explain why it’s important for your horse to turn outward and to respect you from the hind end.

I firmly believe that a horse should possess confidence that extends from its muzzle all the way to its hind hoof. To begin with, let us carefully consider what building confidence truly means for the horse itself. As humans, we are the ones who have made the choice to train and mold the horse into a being that feels safe for our own needs and desires. However, in doing so, we also take away many of their natural survival instincts, transforming them into domesticated companions for our enjoyment. Therefore, if we have made this decision to guide and train these magnificent creatures, let us ensure that we approach this process in a manner that prioritizes safety and well-being for both the horse and ourselves.

To start this step, we begin with step #1: “Teach your horse to go forward.” The previous steps are essential for progressing in the round pen. I will ask my horse to move forward, which can be in either direction. When I want the horse to turn outside, I lean and step forward, crossing in front of the horse’s shoulders. Then, I extend my arm and point in the direction I want the horse to go. The horse will turn with its hindquarters moving towards me, creating an outside turn.

Your horse may continue to travel forward without making a turn when you are initially asking him to turn outside. In this situation, it is important not to start applying more pressure or attempt to fix the issue immediately if he seems to have made a mistake. It's essential to recognize that he simply does not fully understand your cues yet. Allow him to continue moving forward and calmly ask him again for the turn. With patience and repetition, he will eventually change direction and successfully turn outside from your guidance, which will help him learn to better understand your cues over time.

Also, if your horse happens to make a mistake and turns inside when you are asking him to turn outside away from you, it's important to respond promptly. In such situations, drive your horse forward immediately to re-establish clarity, and then, without hesitation, ask your horse to turn outside again for you. Repeat this step repeatedly until your horse begins to understand what you are clearly asking of him. As you teach your horse to turn outside, remember to use consistent cues that he can recognize, and with patience and practice, you will ultimately achieve the desired results.

Within this crucial step, you are also teaching your horse not to kick toward you when you are asking your horse to turn outside from your position, all while maintaining his hind end directed toward you. This is successfully accomplished by changing the horse's direction to the left and then transitioning to the right, all the while utilizing a significant amount of energy and promptly releasing the pressure applied. This process helps reinforce safer behavior and a better understanding of your cues.

It is vitally important to thoroughly complete this step in all three gaits—specifically at the walk, trot, and canter—until your horse learns to become calm and respectful. Additionally, he should be able to change direction smoothly without kicking, understanding the importance of respecting you with his hind end. As you work with your horse during these crucial steps for the first time, ensure that you maintain a safe distance to protect yourself. Remember, prioritizing safety is of the utmost importance during every training session.

In this fifth step, we emphasize the important safety rule of avoiding contact with your horse's hind end. This stage is vital as we start to teach the horse that it’s okay to turn and face us with his back. We aren't just preventing him from kicking; we are also building trust. As we move forward in training, these foundations will help him stay calm and accept our touch on his hind legs without reacting negatively. With consistent practice, his trust in us will grow. You'll see how each step strengthens our relationship. Take your time, prioritize safety, and enjoy the rewarding experience of working with your horse.

All of my steps and lessons are also available for your viewing pleasure, as it can be incredibly beneficial for a visual approach to learning. I invite you to join me at this exciting opportunity to enhance your understanding and skills in horsemanship. Russ Krachun Performance Horsemanship | Equine Educational Program with Videos and Articles | Patreon