Training thoughts

I've decided that it's high time I returned to the practice of recording some thoughts, experiences and preferred training philosophies, however difficult it might be to concentrate when there's a cat snoring right in my ear. It's been a great weekend with all the DGL horses and a good place to kick off. Mostly these notes are for Noodal, who is learning so much and wanting to learn so much more.

Noodal and I did some in hand work with T; the theme was focus. What are the important qualities of the trainer to obtain and maintain it? What are the important techniques? How is it different when you've got it?

Trainer Qualities
Be the things you want to see in your horse. Focus; calm; quiet energy. Be a leader - one that offers clear guidance and a trusted manner; to correct when needed and reward every time the right response is made. Be the leader that you yourself would look to; consistent, fair, calm authority at all times and especially in times of doubt. The importance of expectation; expect the good stuff and invariably you will get it. Exist in a fug of doubt or uncertainty and you will certainly not find a positive reaction. If you were a horse whose entire society was built upon leadership and rank would you give your attention to another horse or a human who did not offer the behaviour of a trusted leader? No. All of the above can be ramped up by a factor of at least four when handling a stallion.

Refocusing, and recognising the changes
If the horse is not focused on you, what to do? Distraction is a fine tool; ask something different, bring him in on a circle, ask him to work harder until he starts to pay more attention. Is his inner ear on you? Is his top line starting to soften? Is his whole being starting to relax? Ask, and ye shall receive. Once he is more settled and relaxed, send him back out and check that you can maintain the ear, the softness, the attention. If not, repeat.
Mix it up; engage him and keep it interesting. Lungeing especially can be so much more than circles - Philippe Karl is an authority on this. Put in some extension up the long side, bring back to collect on a circle, transitions within a circle, lots of transitions within and between the paces. Mix it up; engage him. At all times, think how focused is he in me? Is it enough? If not, do something about it. Ask and ye shall receive.