Disciplining Your Horse - Part 1

anger to whatever level he decides to go. This horse knows exactly how far to push us before we stop asking him to do what we want this is generally a smarter horse.
The horse learns that if he keeps resisting just a little more we will give in before he does. In this situation it is my job to go beyond the level where his owner gave in however extreme until the horse gives up. Unfortunately he must find this out the hard way and there will usually be several episodes before he gives it up. His behaviour will often become even more extreme and he will do all he can to avoid giving up. As I see the behaviour escalating I know I am getting closer to a resolution. It is this knowledge that allows me to work through it because this part of the job is not fun to do or to watch. As the saying goes The darkest hour is just before dawn.
used to see very few horses that behaved with such tempers. Unfortunately I believe it is becoming much more common. I have no intention of offending any horse owner but when you coddle your horse you are not making life easy on him instead you are making training much more difficult for both the horse and his rider. A horse with a temper will be unpredictable and less reliable than one that is less emotional. I am not saying that there should be no affection I believe there should be affection. It is not about balancing affection with discipline but about supplying plenty of both.