How to Reward a Horse During Training
Try out multiple rewards and see which ones make your horse happier or more willing to do what you had asked again., Give them vocal praise as well as a pat on the neck., Give them a treat if you have one with you. , If you are having them work...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Try out multiple rewards and see which ones make your horse happier or more willing to do what you had asked again.
Anything such as "good boy/girl!" works.
If the horse will be used for showing though, don't only reward them with a pat on the neck- because in the show ring you most likely won't be able to touch your horse, and your horse may stop behaving if you don't reward them. ,, Relaxation is the best thing for both you and your horse, and if either being is stressed, the other will just feed off of that, and it will continue to worsen.
Example:
If they are cantering around you, allow them to stop and come into you for a treat. , How you do this is by asking them what you want, and then the split second they start doing it, release the pressure.
From a horse's perspective, why should they do what this human wants us to do when we won't gain anything from it? Using the pressure-release method will reinforce good training, and will also let the horse know when he's doing something right.
Let's say you're trying to get their head lowered so they'll be more collected.
What do you do? Pull in the reins a bit (the amount depending on how sensitive their mouth is and the severity of the bit), and then as soon as their head goes down even half an inch- release the pressure.
A horse is sensitive about the bit pressure and will feel the release, making it more willing to work and let him know he's doing the correct thing. ,, -
Step 2: Give them vocal praise as well as a pat on the neck.
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Step 3: Give them a treat if you have one with you.
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Step 4: If you are having them work
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Step 5: such as teaching them voice commands while lunging
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Step 6: allow them to relax.
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Step 7: If you are riding them
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Step 8: always remember this rule- pressure then release.
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Step 9: If it is a hot day
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Step 10: make sure you reward them for their hard work by giving them a drink after a long cool down.
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Step 11: After a good day of work done by the horse
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Step 12: let them graze while you walk around with them or tell them they did good and give them a hug before you let them out.
Detailed Guide
Anything such as "good boy/girl!" works.
If the horse will be used for showing though, don't only reward them with a pat on the neck- because in the show ring you most likely won't be able to touch your horse, and your horse may stop behaving if you don't reward them. ,, Relaxation is the best thing for both you and your horse, and if either being is stressed, the other will just feed off of that, and it will continue to worsen.
Example:
If they are cantering around you, allow them to stop and come into you for a treat. , How you do this is by asking them what you want, and then the split second they start doing it, release the pressure.
From a horse's perspective, why should they do what this human wants us to do when we won't gain anything from it? Using the pressure-release method will reinforce good training, and will also let the horse know when he's doing something right.
Let's say you're trying to get their head lowered so they'll be more collected.
What do you do? Pull in the reins a bit (the amount depending on how sensitive their mouth is and the severity of the bit), and then as soon as their head goes down even half an inch- release the pressure.
A horse is sensitive about the bit pressure and will feel the release, making it more willing to work and let him know he's doing the correct thing. ,,
About the Author
Jason Howard
Jason Howard specializes in education and learning and has been creating helpful content for over 12 years. Jason is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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