Training Methods for Horses

Different training techniques produce different horses. Some techniques utilize a gentle touch, such as the horse whisperer technique. Others require a more aggressive approach. But the method chosen depends as much on the trainer as the horse. Gentleness is preferable to techniques that promote rough treatment. But gentleness does not denote weakness, rather it gives the horse confidence in your leadership.

  1. Natural Horsemanship

    • Natural Horsemanship is a philosophy that uses gentle encouragement to train a horse. The philosophy purports that the gentle treatment of a horse is the best method to win their respect and thereby their good behavior. The technique also promotes a bond between trainer and horse that will serve to instill trust in both.

    Breaking Method

    • The breaking method is a technique used in the Western US. As of 2011, the method lost some popularity in favor of more humane techniques. Breaking is a forceful method that requires the trainer to force their horse into submissive behavior. The horse is saddled and placed in a pen where the trainer mounts the horse.

    Join-up Method

    • Monty Roberts developed the join-up technique as an intuitive form of communication with horse and trainer. Roberts coined the term "equus" on the language of silent communicating between horses in a herd. A trainer begins a horse by placing a new horse in a round pen. Then the trainer makes loud, big noises, simulating a threat, encouraging the horse to run away. Then the trainer gives the horse the option to run away or join-up using body language. When this exercise is successful, the horse will respond by locking an ear on the trainer and dropping her head as a show of respect.

    Pleasure Horse Training

    • Pleasure horses are show horses. The training associated with show horses requires a certain specificity to communicate elaborate commands. Show training begins only after the trainer has established a relationship with the horse and can confidently give commands. A trainer begins with basic commands, such as lope, trot and walk. Then he focuses on controlling the speed of the horse. Keeping the horse relaxed is key as the pressure of performance puts stress on the animal.