Of Kids and Horses

I've noticed that many of my philosophies on training colts mirror what I've learned about raising kids.  Here's a few of those parallel ideas:

• If you're always hanging tight onto the reins, they will never know how to guide themselves.

• Hold steady and wait for the response you desire.

• When you see what you're looking for in behavior, be quick to reward.

• If you over use your aids, they will become numb to your cues.

• When bad behavior comes up unexpectedly, rule out illness or pain first.

• Change the environment; change the mind.

• Sometimes, they really just need a lot of wet saddle blankets.

• Don't take it personal.

• A gentle touch will go much farther to produce the desired response than a jerk of the reins or a jab of the spur.

• If you are anxious, they will be scared. If you are over riding, they will be bracey. If you are soft, they will melt into your hands.

• Do the groundwork and you'll enjoy the fun stuff later.

• Common sense will get you far.

• Ride with people who are better than you.

• Sometimes, you gotta just let them be horses.

• Be a student of learning.

• Be a trainer first so you can be a friend later.

• Although you are the trainer, your colts will likely give you the education.

• One you've lost your temper, you've lost the opportunity for teaching to occur.

• It takes a lot of years to make a good one.

• Just when you get them where you want them, they're gone.