Ask The Trainer

First of all, I just want to thank you for what your doing. Its hard to find good knowledgeable horse people that will give free advice. We really appreciate it.

Anyways, I have an 8 y/o Morgan gelding, who I am training to even (cross country, show jumping and dressage). I purchased him last year, as a western pleasure horse/ranch horse. Anyways, Last year, I was forced to ride alone almost all the time. We rode out in the fields and did a lot of ring work. So, the thing is, I'm trying to bombproof him. I want him to get used to everything he would see out on a cross country course. Not necessarily the jumps, but more of the outdoors environment, like water puddles, and shallow ditches, or dirt holes. Basically, my horse needs to be focused on me when were out galloping cross country. He cant look over, see a funny looking tree and skitter away, not realizing there's a jump in front of us!
He's generally pretty good, but I often find that he could be paying more attention to me. I just need a solid steady horse, who is focused on the job.
We've been walking through puddles and such, but he still falters a bit when heading towards them. I do find, if I ask him to work in a frame, he is more willing to go through things...I think its because he's depending on me more...were working together more.
So, to make a LONG story short, how can I make my horse focus more on ME when were out doors, and be more BRAVE! lol...just a thought...he is a lot more confident when there are other horses...even if no ones riding them, and there just following us!

I really hope this makes sense, and that you have a good solution!
Thanks SO much,

To help make your horse braver the best way to start is to work on his confidence in you. I would reward him a lot for his small tries and not scold him when he does become unsure of things. If you support him when he is anxious and help him learn that when he is with you he can look to you for leadership. Expect him to do things for you; do not expect him to fail. He will know the difference in the kind of mental energy you are giving him. Keeping him mind engaged may also help him to concentrate more on the job at hand. The more intent you are the more aware of you he will be, and the less concerned about potential danger. If you are day dreaming he might feel that you are not aware enough to notice that dangerous puddle. If you did not notice it how can you save him from it? If he feels that he has to deal with it because you aren't this could cause the anxiety that makes him spook. Experience is the other way to help him deal with the big bad world. The more hours in the saddle in the environment you want him comfortable in the faster he will feel safe in that environment.

Will Clinging 2004 (c)

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