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  Discussion on A horse's personality affecting training techniques used
Author Message
Member:
Gmajj

Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 1:57 am:

I would be interested in hearing about the experiences of others in the classification of different horse personalities and the differing training approaches used in handling the different personalities. For example, the bold, very forward, very confident horse versus easy-going, laid-back or timid individuals.
Member:
Ajudson1

Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 7:38 am:

Hello Gmajj,

I am not an expert by any means. In fact, the 4 horses I have now are my guina pigs with the different training methods as I have just been learning different methods since joining HA, watching RFDTV, and collecting more books/videos.

My thoughts are different horses need different methods, at least up to a point. I found for example, that Clinton Anderson's style was too much for my 2 timid horses. (ground work only) I prefer a quieter way with them, like Dennis Reis would do.

For my other 2 horses, who are not real bold but they are more confident, CA's ways works good with them. (They are all a work in progress)

Having said this, I still go through the same steps with each horse. Or try to!
Member:
Tuckern

Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 2:20 pm:

Hi Gmajj,

Well, I have been blessed with one of each type of horse. :0)

I tell ya, it has been a learning process to get myself prepared to handle each type of horse.

I've found that Clinton Anderson's methods work for both horses, but I have to approach it differently with each horse.

My gelding is very responsive, very "athletic", and I have to concentrate on being firm, but quiet with him. Firm, because he's four, and he's trying things out to test me. Quiet, because you'd swear he's been smoking crack, he's very excitable. He's getting alot better though. The more things I expose him to, the better he is. With him, I rarely have to use a lunge whip, he's responsive to just my hand movements.

Now for my mare, she thinks *I* smoke crack before I go play with her, because I have to keep my energy up when working with her, because she can be lazy. With her, I do have to use a lunge whip, because there are those days when she does need an extra reminder that I am serious, and do mean business.

I don't ride the gelding. I'm training him to pack camping equipment, and to pull a cart, so I don't know how I'd handle a horse like him undersaddle. I'm pretty much a laid-back person, and like a laid-back horse. One that I can ride down the road, and wave to neighbors, and not have to worry about that horse-eating plastic bag half a mile away. :0)

Hope that helps?

Nicole
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 3:16 pm:

Nicole,
Sounds like some wild buggy rides might be in store for you! Also, you might want to carry an extra change of clothes and some snacks on your saddle . . . just in case the pack horse doesn't end up with you at the camp ground! ;-)
Member:
Gmajj

Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 11:48 am:

I feel the basic techniques taught by Anderson, Reis, Parelli, and Lyons are essentially the same. Their personalities color their approach and communication. I was kinda curious what other people do with their own horses. I have learned through my own mistakes that I need to take measure of a horse's personality and attitude before I do anything and approach them accordingly. I am no "trainer" by any stretch of the imagination, but I figure if I am handling a horse, then I am telling or teaching it something by the way I handle it. So, I do find myself tailoring my approach to my horses based on their personality and temperament. I have also found out that I am an "A" type personality and am drawn to bold, forward horses. Timid or lazy are not appealing to me. I consistently go for a certain personality and body type.
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