The gentling process typically begins by introducing the horse to a human presence and gradually habituating it to being touched, groomed, and led. This involves building trust and teaching the horse to accept human interaction without fear. The handler works to form a bond with the horse, using patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
As the horse becomes more comfortable with human contact, the gentling process progresses to include basic training exercises, such as lunging, which involves leading the horse in a circular pattern on a long rope. Lunging helps the horse learn to respond to commands, follow the handler's guidance, and move with control and coordination.
Desensitization plays a crucial role in gentling, as many horses may initially be fearful of new objects, sounds, or experiences. The handler gradually exposes the horse to these stimuli in a controlled and safe manner, allowing the animal to habituate and understand that they pose no danger.
It's important to note that gentling requires a combination of knowledge, patience, and respect for the horse's natural instincts and temperament. It can be a time-consuming process that varies in duration depending on the individual horse's personality and experiences. Establishing a strong bond based on trust and positive interactions is key to successfully gentling a horse.