Rewarding Physical and Mental Changes in Your Horse

Timing is everything when it comes to horse training. I don't want to put any pressure on you, but you need really good timing.  Your timing may never be perfect, but it can always be improved. In a future episode, I will also talk about how in the beginning, your timing is everything and then once the horse picks up more responsibility your timing is less important. This is such a great topic, because the contradictions can be almost mind-blowing, yet the subtleties are so important to learn.   This episode is all about the importance of timing. I talk about how to improve your timing and common mistakes I see in timing. Then is my segment with Dr. Monty we discuss electrolytes and cooling down your horse. You don't want to miss this, because Dr. Monty gives me a cooling tip that I've never heard before.  Show Notes: [02:18] Physical timing is the first thing that people are able to see and identify. Later on people develop the ability to reward mental timing. [03:50] Your horse will reveal to you the spots where you have the weakest understanding. [04:37] A listener question about timing. He has trouble loading into the trailer.  [06:26] The horses fear is often a lack of understanding. The horse needs to be desensitized to the stimulus that causes the fear. He also needs to be sensitized to the halter. [08:43] The goal is to see an emotional balance across the board. [10:16] Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't means that there are holes in the training.  [14:26] Pulling the horse on the trailer is never a good idea.  [16:57] When your horse sees the trailer his brain doesn't want to go on to it, so his feet don't move. Finding the answers can get very layered. [18:28] You can hear all aspects of the four square model in trailer loading. The riders mind, the rider's body, the horse's mind, and the horse's body.  [18:47] There's a difference between physical timing and mental timing. Physical timing is a great place to start. [20:12] The horse can't squeeze between your body and the trailer if you're standing with your shoulder against the trailer. [21:45] Without the clarity of a goal, people can be unclear. [23:28] The lead line is in your left hand. The moves you make can be like a chess game. Put a light pressure on the lead rope. [25:00] Watch your horse as you take the slack out. [29:52] Look at his eyes. If he looks asleep, he's ready for another question. [31:04] Patience is an underused tool.  [32:27] Timing is tied to what he is thinking.  [35:15] Pick up the slack again. Are his eyes wide?  [38:08] Raise your right hand. What did your horse say? Pay attention to the little details. [44:02] Groundwork is all done with timing. [45:16] I love liberty work. Part of our job is to teach horses to speak human. A horses reaction to pressure in a healthy way can keep them safe.  [48:03] When you start to see what is happening, it gets fun, because you can see the problem ahead and be proactive.  [49:05] A question about a young horse and directing his attention to a different spot.  [54:15] Engaging a horse in the conversation takes away the boredom.  Dr. Monty and I Discuss Electrolytes and Dealing With the Heat [55:12] When it's hot what signs indicate stress and is white block salt enough? [55:33] The salt contains electrolytes which helps cool the horse and improves the cardiovascular system.  [56:02] White salt may not be enough. When it's really hot put an electrolyte supplement into the feed. [57:01] If it's too hot for you, it's probably not the best time to ride. Start early or wait until the evening. Horses deal with heat through respiration and sweating.  [57:49] Placing ice on the jugular vein will cool the blood flow which helps to cool the body.  Links and Resources: Trailer Loading Tips Sponsored by Tekonshah Stacy Westfall horse training lesson with Twilite Trailers - Part 1 Stacy Westfall horse training lesson with Twilite Trailers - Part 2 Episode 30: Correcting Behavior We Dislike In Our Horses Equithrive Use the code Stacy for 10% off and free shipping Have you ever wondered what a live version of this podcast would be like?I’m hosting some live, online video calls that are like a live version of this podcast. I teach on a subject, answer questions and for those who are brave, I’ll turn your video on live too and you can join me for a conversation! If you want to learn more about this you can visit https://stacywestfall.com/live/ for more information!