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  Discussion on A Good Program
Author Message
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 11:56 am:

Being new at this horse training thing, I hit on something that works and thought I would pass it along. I know many of you seasoned vets learned this long ago, but I also know there are many people out there new to training.

My horse is nearly 6. I started his training at age 2, with no idea of what I was doing. I read books, watched videos, learned from people here at HA and from friends at the boarding stable. We have progressed, but only to a point. I realized a few months back, that we had stagnated and were no longer improving. I felt like I was re-training the same things over and over.

So . . . I decided to start a journal. I write in it each Monday and set specific goals I want to accomplish. I write down problems that need work and how to set about correcting them. I make up patterns like "ride diagonally across, stop, back up six steps, turn right and trot half way around the arena, do two circles". I also make a plan to work on gaining better control of each body part (head, neck, poll, shoulders, haunches). Last, we do something called "generalizing", which is training in a different area so my horse learns to listen to me whether we are in the arena or out on the trail.

When I ride, I keep my agenda in mind which helps me be more consistent in what I ask for and in how I ask. Consistency seemed to be the problem and why we were not progressing, so that is my biggest goal.

On Friday, I go back over my goals and write down what happened during the training sessions. Did I accomplish my goal, what needs improvement, any observations that might help us do better.

I am now seeing more progress than I ever have since I owned this horse. I am amazed at how fast he learns something when I am CONSISTENT. It is like a big light bulb hit me in the head!

Just thought I would share.

Linda
Member:
stevens

Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 1:51 pm:

Hi Linda,

You remind me of the saying "Plan the work then work the plan".

Chris
Member:
paardex

Posted on Friday, Jan 18, 2008 - 12:26 pm:

Hi Linda found this old post when I was wondering how I would get myself steadily training my horses this year. Goos idea!
I am curious about an update if you read this could you give one?
Jos
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Friday, Jan 18, 2008 - 1:43 pm:

Hi jos,

I have used this method all year and I am still amazed at the progress we've made. The journal not only includes our work plan, but observations, inspirational quotes, and medical info. It is great fun to look back and see how far we've come.

I read recently that a horse needs to repeat something 300 times to really "get it". Having the written plan keeps me from varying the lesson and also keeps me reviewing things learned in the past. I know we have moved up a couple levels in learning since I started this program. I am not saying dressage levels here, but personal levels of achievement.

Being consistent for me meant learning an exact location to place my leg, for example. I just did not have the experience or education to draw on, so I decided "this spot is where I will put my leg" and stuck with it. Right now we are working on side passing and since this is new territory for me I observe my horse's reactions to my first feeble attempts. When I see something that works, I write it down so I can remember to do it the exact same way next time.

I don't think it matters if you work up your own program based on your goals or if you use a set program designed by an instructor. The purpose is to improve consistency.

Good luck. Let us know if it works for you.

Linda
Member:
paardex

Posted on Saturday, Jan 19, 2008 - 4:34 am:

Thanks Linda sounds like a fun idea, it will certainly put my nose on my goals from time to time. Working alone makes that necessary for me, I am easily distracted.
Jos
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