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4/24/02
DISCOMFORT
I hope that the log entries have been interesting
and of value to the readers. My style works for me and my hope
is that bits and pieces will be of assistance to others. The
important part of my style is that I am always looking for a
way to make it simpler.
The horse is a creature of habit and wants to be comfortable.
Remembering that, keep it simple.
Our goal is to foster and develop good habits only. All we have
to do is offer a little discomfort to cause change in behavior.
Not pain, discomfort. It might be just taking away some air to
cause them to want to find the comfort zone. I constantly search
for a way to simplify a maneuver. When I think that I have found
it, I continue trying to break it down further.
A person can misunderstand the use of discomfort. One method
is taking away some air. This is done by pushing the horse past
their comfort zone causing heavy breathing. Usually they will
be willing to stop to fill up on air. This is done far before
any exhaustion. It doesn't matter how highly conditioned he is
either. When he starts breathing heavily, stop. Let him stand
and catch some air. If he fidgets, ask him to back until he finds
standing still is in the comfort zone. If you have been tying
him before and after every ride, he should stand fairly quickly. |
