MENTORING
It is not necessary to be a professional trainer to accomplish set goals for yourself and your horse but you MUST have a plan and follow some format. I advise researching the many resources available before starting any type of training. Most professional trainers have websites and magazines where a wealth of information can be found.
Please evaluate your horses temperment and choose the approach best suited for that horse. For example.......you wouldn't walk into a pen shouting and waving a rope if you are working with an animal that is extremely frightened of quick movements and noise. On the other hand you may need to use these tactics with a laid back, unmotivated animal.
Horses are creatures of habit so make sure those habits are good ones. I can tell you there is no such thing as a stupid horse as they are only a reflection of those training them. You as the teacher must be firm, consistent, patient, confident and quick to reward.
Working with the wild horse requires several days, weeks, and sometimes months of "domesticating" prior to any fomal training. They need to become comfortable with human presense and settle into their new environment. The wild horse comes to you extremely frightened and very confused.........your first obligation is to gain its trust and confidence . I personally hope that within three to six months, all adoptors would have their mustang halter broke (meaning allowing placement and removal of the halter), leading, tying, grooming, and picking up of feet. These accomplishments will guarantee your horses ability to be treated and enable a vet to at least administer a sedative to calm it down in an emergency.
"Riding off into the sunset" will come in due time and is not a priority until the above material is very familiar to your horse. If you rush (or "cowboy") your horse into training beyond its comprehension then you will only be adding fear upon fear and end up with a basket case on your hands. Take it slow, take it easy and NEVER be embarrassed to ask those with the knowledge for advice.
In the bar at the top you will find links to some basic material to get you and your equine started. Please feel free to eMail me with any questions or suggestions for more lesson plans.
The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign is dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage. Its grassroots efforts are supported by a coalition of over forty organizations. More...
More
NEW Book
Available @ Amazon
"Young or old, there is a bit of curiosity about the “wild horse” in all of us. This book will appeal to anyone with a love for horses." -Mikey