Returning to riding was quite a learning curve. I used to ride (badly!) many years ago and regret how I rode then. But since getting familiar with learning theory (for my work with clients' birds) I based my training for Harry on this. I got Harry as I wanted to be able ride all day, do some camping trips with him and not have to worry about this sort of riding being difficult for him; hence my choice of an Arab.
I got poor advice from the usual sources (BHS, local riders, one awful trainer). They just suggested use of enduring negative reinforcement via the feet, whips and bits. So, on grounds of welfare, I made a pledge to myself to base everything I did with Harry on sound science wherever possible, rejecting traditional/ natural horsemanship etc., unless those who advocated it could back up their ideas with scientific evidence. I was not concerned whether a method 'worked' or not, but mainly whether it was horse-friendly. I couldn't find a local trainer I trusted, so I did it myself. My 'secret weapon'? A few books, a bag of carrots and positive reinforcement for all groundwork. I decided to work only at a pace that Harry was comfortable with. If he became excited or nervous, the sessions stopped. I only work with animals when they are calm. I also read up quite a bit on equine behaviour (of wild/feral horses) and used this info to guide me with Harry. He is not stabled but kept outdoors at all times on a track system as per Jamie Jackson's ideas. Since I could find no evidence for the need for shoeing, bitting, lunging, collection, etc. Harry has never been subjected to these things. He's never been in a roundpen or a school/ménage. We have both learnt 'on the job' out hacking.
To teach recall, I offered him a carrot while saying his name, holding my arm out, and whistling for him. I did about 4 short sessions per day, gradually increasing the distance from him. It took him 3 days to learn this. Now he will come even if he just hears me, but cannot see me. To get him used to being saddled and bridled, I put these on and took them off after a few seconds only at first. If he remained still he got carrots/ wither scratches/ verbal praise. Same for doing up the girth, mounting etc. He stands like a rock for mounting! I asked for walk and trot, go left, right, back etc., while in hand, by verbal requests, and kept to these once I started riding. If he does not respond to voice, I use feet and reins conventionally. Harry wears a Dr Cooks bitless bridle.
I found it very hard to make contact with riders who also understood and used learning theory. But more recently, I have found folks like this, and their advice has been a great help.
Having said all that, Harry had a bad accident last week and crashed into a gate overnight, injuring himself badly. His puncture wound has been stitched up and there is no infection, but I won't be riding for many weeks yet. He has a large oedema /swelling on his belly, which the vet says will subside eventually.
I often combine riding with my other hobby, birdwatching, and you can get much closer to birds when on horseback!
I got poor advice from the usual sources (BHS, local riders, one awful trainer). They just suggested use of enduring negative reinforcement via the feet, whips and bits. So, on grounds of welfare, I made a pledge to myself to base everything I did with Harry on sound science wherever possible, rejecting traditional/ natural horsemanship etc., unless those who advocated it could back up their ideas with scientific evidence. I was not concerned whether a method 'worked' or not, but mainly whether it was horse-friendly. I couldn't find a local trainer I trusted, so I did it myself. My 'secret weapon'? A few books, a bag of carrots and positive reinforcement for all groundwork. I decided to work only at a pace that Harry was comfortable with. If he became excited or nervous, the sessions stopped. I only work with animals when they are calm. I also read up quite a bit on equine behaviour (of wild/feral horses) and used this info to guide me with Harry. He is not stabled but kept outdoors at all times on a track system as per Jamie Jackson's ideas. Since I could find no evidence for the need for shoeing, bitting, lunging, collection, etc. Harry has never been subjected to these things. He's never been in a roundpen or a school/ménage. We have both learnt 'on the job' out hacking.
To teach recall, I offered him a carrot while saying his name, holding my arm out, and whistling for him. I did about 4 short sessions per day, gradually increasing the distance from him. It took him 3 days to learn this. Now he will come even if he just hears me, but cannot see me. To get him used to being saddled and bridled, I put these on and took them off after a few seconds only at first. If he remained still he got carrots/ wither scratches/ verbal praise. Same for doing up the girth, mounting etc. He stands like a rock for mounting! I asked for walk and trot, go left, right, back etc., while in hand, by verbal requests, and kept to these once I started riding. If he does not respond to voice, I use feet and reins conventionally. Harry wears a Dr Cooks bitless bridle.
I found it very hard to make contact with riders who also understood and used learning theory. But more recently, I have found folks like this, and their advice has been a great help.
Having said all that, Harry had a bad accident last week and crashed into a gate overnight, injuring himself badly. His puncture wound has been stitched up and there is no infection, but I won't be riding for many weeks yet. He has a large oedema /swelling on his belly, which the vet says will subside eventually.
I often combine riding with my other hobby, birdwatching, and you can get much closer to birds when on horseback!