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theories of herd and horse psychology (pecking order, claustrophobic and panic reactions) and how these relate to horse behaviour and the development of trust and respect between horse and human
the concept of pressure and release
Lyons' basic concept of request/response/reward
the three T’s of training: Torque, Timing and Tenacity
the “Graduated Cuing System” and how it relates to training the horse to respond to the lightest cue possible.
the learning curve of the horse and how to achieve consistency of performance
John Lyons’ theory of training initially with one rein
WEEK ONE - Working with a broke horse of your own
training the horse to know and respect our space on the ground
ground handling from both sides of the horse: gaining control of all parts of the horse from the ground, getting the horse to move off of pressure in all 6 directions, with the goal of getting the horse to respond to the very lightest cue possible
the “Go Forward” cue and the “Yield to Pressure” cue
getting the horse to move off of finger pressure (touch) applied to all parts of the body
how to recognize and overcome passive/aggressive behaviour
the Direction Lesson (John’s WESN Lesson)--round penning without a round pen
advanced (“College Level”) leading, with the horse responding willingly to your body cues in all directions and at varying speeds with soft stops and peppy starts, either in the round pen or on a loose halter shank
trailer loading, and advanced “college level” trailer loading (no contact)
touch and handle the horse all over with the hands, including all sensitive areas such as inside ears, inside mouth, genitalia, under tail, etc. and how to overcome headshyness
the “Heads Down Cue”--getting the horse to put his nose down on the ground using the halter, bit, or hands only
teaching the horse to accept the bridle (open mouth on cue)
the concept of “giving to the bit” from the ground
training the horse to pick up all four feet and place them gently into your hand with only a “kiss” cue
training the horse to stand quietly while tied, stand quietly for saddling, mounting, farrier work, etc.,
"ground tying" and tying by the foot
WEEK ONE - Working with an UNbroke horse of your own
the “Round Pen Basics”
the “Come to You” lesson
teaching the horse to be caught
WEEK TWO - Refining Your Skills on your broke horse
“giving to the bit” from the horse’s back
spook control and “spook-in-place”
tarp work, rope work and sacking out
dragging objects, obstacle training, crossing water and bridges
getting a good “go forward cue”, the stop, the back-up, and smooth transitions at a walk, trot, canter using one rein only
develop a better seat and confidence by being round penned by the instructor while on your horse’s back
following the nose
begin riding out of the arena more, to increase the level of the distractions
WEEK TWO - Working with your UNbroke horse
all students will have sacked out, saddled and had at least the “first ride” on their unbroke horse
students will ride out with the instuctor on longer trail rides using their broke horse, and their newly broke horse. They will practise the skills they have learned, including creek crossing