step six - discover horsemanship philosophy & methodology in the round pen

Round Pen - Turn Inside then Outside

Step Six - Teach your Horse to Turn Inside and Outside Together - Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology in the Round Pen

Goals:

• Horse learns to use both sides of his brain consistently by turning inside and outside together

• Horse learns to consistently respond to human cues from the left & right sides by turning inside & outside together

• Horse learns this step at different speeds

• Horse learns to be calm and patience

• Horse learns to stand still, join up, face human from front end and from hindquarters

• Horse learns to control emotions, develop trust and build communication with human

Problems Solved:

• Horse does not come to you either in the paddock or in stall

• Horse will not stand still

• Horse does not travel in correct lead

• Horse that does not want to join up to human

• Lack of confidence to the hindquarters

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

• A horse that is not coordinated in using his body and left and right sides of the brain together

You may think that we have already completed this important step in the previous phases of our training, but what we have effectively accomplished is the completion of this step in isolation from each side of our horse. What we have actually done during this process is work on each side of the horse's brain individually, as we have focused on our various turns, addressing both the inside and outside maneuvers independently from one another. This ensures that each side is properly developed and responsive before we integrate them into a more cohesive training approach.

Now, we are going to take our horse to the next level of understanding by learning to read our body language much more effectively and with greater awareness. We will now teach our horse how to utilize both sides of his brain together harmoniously, and we also want him to maintain a calm demeanor, foster trust, exhibit respect, and ultimately develop a strong sense of confidence in his abilities and interactions.

It is also extremely important for you to learn how to take yourself to the next level in your horsemanship journey, as this will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of your horse and develop your ability to read his actions and responses more effectively. You will notice that by helping your horse to foster positivity in both sides of his brain, you will not only enhance your mutual connection but also significantly improve your overall communication skills and coordination while working together.

Some say that horses that rely more on their left brain are calm, while those using their right brain are uncertain or less confident. This has led some to follow training rules to understand horse behavior. Similarly, some believe traits like two swirls on a horse's forehead or being a buckskin can affect communication, or that ear or muzzle shape determines personality. However, I think these traits are coincidental. The real issue is that people often struggle to communicate with horses or do not use proper training methods.

There are no fixed rules for training horses. You can't just follow a book. Computers can't figure out how to understand a horse's mind or predict nature. Finding answers comes from dedication, hard work, and experience with many horses. This journey will bring frustrations, disappointments, happiness, and successes. Sometimes, we may never discover all the answers, even as we seek better ways to connect with our animals.

We cannot strictly follow rules when working with horses. I often notice that people who observe my clinics try to mimic my methods at home, but it doesn’t work for them or their horses. They wonder why and reach out to me for help. When I watch them, I often find that they struggle to understand their horse’s feelings and behaviors. It's crucial to be able to read a horse's emotions—whether it's willing, happy, angry, or frustrated—rather than just following training rules blindly.

I teach my clients how to understand and correct their horses. I suggest starting with horse philosophy and then using your communication skills.

Let’s revisit our steps. If you’ve finished the earlier steps, you should understand your horse well. It’s also crucial that your horse understands you so you can successfully complete step #6.

In this step, it is extremely important to remember that when you begin to work with your horse, you should not start making quick and abrupt turns or movements inside and outside in rapid succession. Take your time and proceed at a steady pace, as hasty actions may frighten and unsettle your horse. Allow your horse to travel in a consistent, calm trot before you gently ask him to turn inside. Afterward, you may request your horse to continue moving in a couple more circles, and then ask him to turn outside. Once again, ensure that your horse is traveling in a nice and calm manner before you attempt to change directions or sides. Be patient, as this approach will help build trust and confidence between you and your horse.

Do not spend too much time at once in this crucial step of training; allow your horse to fully understand what it is you are teaching him. Remember to always include a release, as it serves as his well-deserved reward for his efforts. Let your horse stop, turn to face you, and then stand quietly still. You are not wasting any time when your horse is relaxing and standing calmly; in fact, he is learning valuable lessons about patience and also developing a sense of respect for your personal space. You are effectively teaching your horse all of these important concepts in this one essential step of your training process.

You do not have to use the whip, or even tap the horse gently with a horsemanship stick to prompt him to move forward, change directions, or even to encourage him to respect your personal space by tapping him softly on the head. Some individuals refer to this approach as natural horsemanship. While this may sound appealing in theory, I personally view it as an ineffective and potentially harmful philosophy. Some trainers argue that they are communicating in a way that mirrors horse behavior, noting that horses sometimes kick or bite when expressing themselves. However, if we then resort to tapping our horses with a horsemanship stick to achieve similar results in moving their body parts, I believe this is fundamentally misguided! We must remember that despite our deep connection with these magnificent animals, we are not horses; we are humans. Therefore, let us strive to learn how we can effectively find or create our own unique language so that our horses can truly understand us better.

I truly believe that we don’t necessarily need to rely on various tools and equipment to achieve the desired results and outcomes we seek from our horses. While I do utilize a horsemanship stick in my training practices, I always attach a flag or a plastic bag to the end of it specifically to help build confidence in our horses. It is important to emphasize that I use this tool solely to foster confidence, ensuring that it does not diminish or take away the horse's natural survival instincts, which are vital for their well-being. However, this subject warrants further discussion, and I will explore it in greater detail at a later time.

So, let’s make sure to complete step #6 in all three gaits: the walk, the trot, and the lope. It is crucial to remember, however, that when we conclude this step, the horse must be in a calm and relaxed state of mind. Always use your body language in conjunction with your voice commands consistently, as this combination will lead to impressive and amazing results in your training endeavors.

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