WHY WE PREFER CONCEPTS RATHER THAN RULES...
Rules are rigid and don't allow for the dynamic nature of both animals and training!
A different day, different mood (you or your horse!) or different environment can all factor into the efficacy of your training and we understand that each interaction with our horse is equally important!
We therefore acknowledge that training is not black and white. Often grey, it can be difficult to execute correctly for handlers & riders and confusing or frustrating for your horse, which can lead to inconsistency, resistance and break down in communication and relationship, taking away willingness from your horse & reducing your enjoyment.
Head Trainer & Founder, Katrina Park, helps horses develop self-management skills that better equip them mentally & physically to deal with the demands of handling or training. At the same time working to help owners & handler understand the how & why so they can become more adaptable and empathetic in their training.
A different day, different mood (you or your horse!) or different environment can all factor into the efficacy of your training and we understand that each interaction with our horse is equally important!
We therefore acknowledge that training is not black and white. Often grey, it can be difficult to execute correctly for handlers & riders and confusing or frustrating for your horse, which can lead to inconsistency, resistance and break down in communication and relationship, taking away willingness from your horse & reducing your enjoyment.
Head Trainer & Founder, Katrina Park, helps horses develop self-management skills that better equip them mentally & physically to deal with the demands of handling or training. At the same time working to help owners & handler understand the how & why so they can become more adaptable and empathetic in their training.
BALANCE IS BEST |
alongside maintaining a frame of mind conducive to learning & retention, the majority of our work is based around creating functional movement & positive postures. This provides a huge impact on longer lasting results, comfort for your horse and ease of handling, riding & training.
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We should aim to identify the positive traits in our horses and shape them to our advantage.
COMMUNICATION OVER CONTROL...
OUR 3-STEP APPROACH
Training for control relies on off balancing our horses, mentally or physically, usually with a focus on shutting down or stopping an undesired behaviour. Many methods focus on this as their foundation,
by using this approach we are focused on intervention rather than prevention!
While this may work temporarily it addresses symptom rather than cause, so what's the alternative?
by using this approach we are focused on intervention rather than prevention!
While this may work temporarily it addresses symptom rather than cause, so what's the alternative?
STEP 1 - Self-management, also the basis of that ever elusive 'self-carriage'!
Teaching our horses to regulate mentally, emotionally & physically so they are better equipped to handle the stressors of training. Creating a thinking horse rather than a doer, with the ability to respond rather than simply react. A base for willingness.
STEP 2 - Communication, teaching your horse appropriate and effective skills to seek help, security or reassurance from handler or rider. Allowing and encouraging them to ask, Can You Help?
STEP 3 - Proof or trust, firstly by developing a better understanding of the horse's mind and body and improving our observation skills. Becoming a better listener can help us prevent problems before they arise or escalate.
Secondly, expanding our toolbox with exercises that aid in ENGAGING our horses mentally and physically rather than disengaging. And, lastly creating as many positive associations and interactions as possible so our horse's trust in our guidance, reducing resistance.
Teaching our horses to regulate mentally, emotionally & physically so they are better equipped to handle the stressors of training. Creating a thinking horse rather than a doer, with the ability to respond rather than simply react. A base for willingness.
STEP 2 - Communication, teaching your horse appropriate and effective skills to seek help, security or reassurance from handler or rider. Allowing and encouraging them to ask, Can You Help?
STEP 3 - Proof or trust, firstly by developing a better understanding of the horse's mind and body and improving our observation skills. Becoming a better listener can help us prevent problems before they arise or escalate.
Secondly, expanding our toolbox with exercises that aid in ENGAGING our horses mentally and physically rather than disengaging. And, lastly creating as many positive associations and interactions as possible so our horse's trust in our guidance, reducing resistance.
Communication and trust deposit into our relationship bank account, control withdraws from it. Ensure you're making more deposits than withdrawals to avoid a negative account balance.