Horse Training: Conflict Behaviors

Introduction

• Speaker: Jody Harstone, Grand Prix Dressage Rider and academic horse training proponent.
• Series: Last video on horse training.

Understanding Conflict Behaviors

• Definition: Behaviors like bucking, rearing, shying, tension, and tongue issues.
• Purpose: Active coping mechanisms horses use to handle conflict.

Causes of Conflict

• Pressure: Constant leg and rein pressure.
• Mixed Signals: Legs and reins used simultaneously.
• Lack of Understanding: Horse doesn't comprehend commands.

Resolving Conflict Behaviors

• Self-Reflection: Avoid blaming the horse; assess personal training methods.
• Basic Training: Gaps in basic responses (go, stop, turn, yield).
• Response Gaps:
  • Rearing indicates poor turning.
  • Spooking/shying suggests deficient turn response.
  • Bucking shows lack of knowledge in leg and rein aids.
  • Whining and spinning reflect weaknesses in go, stop, and turn.

Training for Improvement

• Goal: Train a calm, willing, happy, and obedient athlete.
• Method: Address and fill gaps in basic training responses.

Conclusion

• Speaker's Hope: That viewers enjoyed the series and found it informative.
• Sponsor: Fiber Fresh.