Making the Broke Horse

Do you expect him to stand completely still while mounting or will you allow him to take some steps without being asked? Do you want him to travel deep into that corner or choose his own path across it? Do you really want a six foot loping stride or will a nine foot length do? Push yourself to make these decisions. A “broke” horse listens for his herd leader to make decisions. Your horse is hard-wired to either follow the leader or to be the leader.
 
Step, Don’t Leap, Toward Your Goal

A three percent improvement with most training sessions really adds up in a few months. For instance, if you’re trying to match that slow rhythmic stride of last week’s Western pleasure winner, be content with shaving a little at a time off your horse’s stride, slowing the count bit by bit until he becomes comfortable. If you do it all at once, you’ll destroy the quality. Next, you can work on lowering and steadying his frame. Finally, polish these skills while riding right beside another horse or some other distraction.

In lengthening a hunter’s stride to get down the lines easily, lengthen the distance between fences incrementally. If you try to do everything at once, you’ll cause fear and confusion, and horses can’t learn anything effectively when they’re afraid.

Expect it Consistently
Nothing messes up a horse’s mind more than boundaries that move. Horses learn by repetition and they like routine. Once a goal is reached, expect the same standard all the time and in every environment. For instance, if your trail horse learns he is not to touch the tree decorations on the course, yet is permitted to nibble at the bushes when you’re out riding, nuzzle your pockets for treats, or hand graze, you may be sending him mixed signals. Is he allowed to play with your fingers in the barn aisle but not in a showmanship class?

It takes a well-thought-out game plan in order to make a “broke” horse. It takes a hundred little things that work together for that winning performance. Take the lead, have consistent boundaries for your horse, and raise your expectations — you’ll be amazed at what your horse can do!