Over the past few weeks I hope you – and your horse – have had plenty of ‘thinking time’ and the opportunity to work on establishing the trust that is essential to a building a strong foundation in your training.

Giving your horse time to understand is also crucial to creating, and maintaining, calmness. I focus on establishing this foundation of calmness so that I can help the horse to understand and learn what I am asking in a gentle and effective way that helps the horse trust it is safe for him. The more you handle your horse, calm and reassure him, correct and reward him, the more he will learn to feel safe doing what you ask. So, you see, you need the one to create the other.

Thinking Time Tip
Some people may say all the kind words, but teach you to force the horse to do things. Talking the talk and not walking the walk does nothing for your horse. You can force his body, but you can’t force the horse to relax, exhale, lick and chew or yawn as a sign of release, calmness and understanding.

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