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groundwork-teaching horse to back

597 views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  Saddlebag 
#1 ·
If your horse has a difficult time grasping the concept of backing up, try using just a light touch with the tip of a whip to the kneecap while applying a small amount of pressure to the halter. I've found this works better than using the point of the chest or as the Parelli people do it, threatening the horse with a whack under the jaw with the heavy clip. What I don't like about that method is that the horse throw's it's head high which puts an inordinate strain on it's back as it's hyperflexed the wrong way. Plus a high head denotes flight mode. My method encourages the horse to lower it's head (relaxed) as it thinks it might be a bot fly. It may take a few taps but stopped immediately with any response, not necessarily even a step. With practise one has to merely point at the horse's knee and it will back. Always touch the more forward leg as that is the one the horse will move back. First one, then the other.
 
#2 ·
I don't really disagree with the 'Parelli method' in *principle*. I don't disagree with almost all I know of Parelli... in principle. It's about giving the horse a clear message what to do, using the least amount of 'pressure' possible to get it, but 'amplifying' to as much pressure as needed to be effective. So it becomes punishment if the horse 'ignores'. That is basic & IMO sound behavioural training.

The problem, as with so many things, is when people get/give the wrong ideas(IMO Linda P's especially good at giving those!). Do these things without full understanding. For eg a 'clear signal' implies the horse understands exactly what it's 'supposed' to do. So is 'deserving' of punishment when it continues to 'disobey'. I think the vast majority of times when people see the 'need' of escalating pressure is because the horse either doesn't 'get' the signal, or there is a bigger motivation for resisting - eg. fear. In this situation, you need to appreciate that you're NOT being clear, and there are many other far less confrontational ways to get the message across.... like a tickle on the knees perhaps ;-) Or perhaps you need to be more aware & considerate of what's going on around the horse, or in his head & get his attention first.
 
#3 ·
Loosie, I've so often heard people say the horse was being rude, belligerent, refused to listen, etc when often the horse just doesn't understand what is being asked. Long ago I learned that if what I'm asking for doesn't work then it's time to rethink it. If I can't come up with the right answer it will keep me awake. The answer will come usually as I'm drifting off to sleep.
 
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