Meet Ruger, a recent arrival at my training facility. This Tennessee Walking Horse, hailing from Kentucky, was sent to me because he was running off with his owner even before they were able to settle in the saddle. I identified several problems and started addressing them. This is the story of his training from confused to confident.
First Impressions and Initial Assessment
Understanding Ruger’s Background
Ruger’s story is intriguing. Acquired by his current owners via an online purchase (supplemented by a video and a personal pick-up, not shipping), Ruger’s initial behavior was described as generally good. However, a specific concern was noted: upon mounting, Ruger tends to move off quickly. This was the owner’s primary complaint. Actions like this are usually symptoms of a problem and the actual problem usually lies much deeper.
Saddling and Observing Responses
As I introduce Ruger to the saddle, I observe his reactions. While his feet remain stationary, he is obviously worried about the process. Ruger’s heightened alertness when being saddled is a big indicator of an underlying issue. If you need help correctly interpreting what your horse is trying to tell you then the article, An In-Depth Guide to Understanding Your Horse’s Language, will be helpful to you.
Ensuring a Good Saddle Fit
Choosing the right saddle is critical. With a variety of options available, I ensure that the saddle not only fits Ruger comfortably but also doesn’t cause him any undue stress or discomfort. It is possible that a previous poor fitting saddle caused his heightened alertness so I want to make sure I use a good fitting saddle on him now.
Walking with the Saddle: A Test of Relaxation
As Ruger takes his first steps with the saddle, I notice a commendable level of relaxation. This is a positive sign.
Bridling with Care
Introducing Ruger to a shank bit, likely familiar to him given his training background, is another step in understanding his comfort levels and responsiveness. This is not the typical bit one would choose for say a quarter horse but for his breed and the amount of riding he has supposedly had this should be an appropriate bit. This is the bit I used with him for most of his training with me.
Addressing Anxiety and the Mounting Process
Ruger exhibits heightened anxiety during the mounting process. My approach involves gentle repetition and reassurance to help him understand that mounting does not equate to immediate movement or discomfort. I talk more in depth about this in the article, Dynamic Interplay Between Learned and Instinctive Behavior in Horses.
Observing Side Sensitivity
Ruger’s reaction to touch on his sides suggests possible discomfort or past issues. This is an area that will require gentle and consistent work to build trust and desensitize him to these concerns.
Gauging Health: The Possibility of Ulcers
Given Ruger’s slight underweight condition and behavior, are possible indicators of stomach ulcers, a common issue in horses. I will continue to be aware of that and will treat it if I believe this is a possible condition although it might be a learned behavior so I am not taking any action just yet.
Revisiting the Mounting Process: Building Confidence
Ruger’s anticipation of immediate movement upon mounting is a learned behavior I’m aiming to correct. By teaching him to wait for the rider’s cue before moving, I’m working towards a more relaxed and responsive mount.
Summary of Impressions and Assessment
As I conclude the first phase of Ruger’s assessment and training, I’m focused on helping him understand that being ridden is a safe and comfortable experience. Ruger has shown himself to be a horse with a good mind, displaying more anxiety than malice in his responses. My training will continue to be tailored to his unique needs, ensuring a journey that is as rewarding for Ruger as it is for us. If you would like to watch the video of his initial assessment and training it is here titled, Conflicting Behaviors.
Continuing Ruger’s Training: Building Patience and Responsiveness
In this phase of Ruger’s training, my primary focus has been on cultivating his ability to stand calmly and walk off in a relaxed manner. Ruger, the Tennessee Walking Horse who initially struggled with anxiety during mounting, is now progressing toward a more composed and responsive state.
Key Training Goals At This Point
1. Encouraging Ruger to Stand Still and Relaxed:
Ruger tended to move off immediately after being mounted. Not just move off, but run off frantically. Through repetitive and reassuring training, I’m teaching him to stay calm and stationary, helping him understand the expectation of waiting for a cue before walking off.
2. Working on Backing Up Smoothly:
Another aspect of Ruger’s training involves improving his backup. I am focusing on making this movement more fluid and responsive, a crucial skill that helps shift his mindset from always moving forward to being comfortable standing still.
3. Developing Neck Reining Skills:
Enhancing Ruger’s neck reining capabilities is crucial for better steering control. This skill not only aids in steering but also contributes to his overall mental responsiveness and willingness.
Training Techniques and Observations
Consistency and Repetition:
Ruger’s training is heavily based on consistent repetition. This approach is essential to help him “unlearn” his previous habits and realize that I am asking for something different than what he is expecting. This is the first step to adopting new habits and behaviors.
Sensitivity to Rider’s Cues:
I’m noticing that Ruger has a tendency to anticipate the next steps, especially moving forward. I do not believe this is intended to be malicious, I believe he is just trying to do what he thinks is expected of him. This calls for a balanced approach where I encourage forward movement while also reinforcing the need to stand still and wait for cues.
Addressing Physical Discomfort:
Ruger’s feet are currently longer than ideal, which might be causing some discomfort. This will be addressed soon with a visit from the farrier, potentially improving his comfort and movement. I have learned through many years of horse training that this is not an issue that should be immediately addressed. If it is immediately addressed it often leads to adding more behavior issues because the horse is already stressed with the situation of training and trying to trim the feet immediately causes them to be additionally stressed about having their feet messed with.
The better way is to build some trust first, then the horse is more accepting of having their feet trimmed, and with that clearer thinking the horse realizes that they feel better after, and now what could have created more problems, now is a huge trust-building exercise.
Steering and Softening:
A significant part of Ruger’s training involves getting him to soften and respond to steering cues. I’m using neck reining along with gentle leg pressures to guide him, helping him understand that the release from pressure comes from following the direction of the rein. Ruger has been very stiff in his neck and resistant in his face. The techniques in the video, Softening A Resistant Horse, is how I taught him the become softer.
Psychological Approach:
Understanding Ruger’s psychology is key. As a prey animal, his instincts may interpret mounting as a predatory action. Our training is gently reshaping this perception, allowing him to realize that being ridden is safe and non-threatening.
A Promising Path Forward
Ruger’s journey in this phase has been about finding balance – between standing still and moving forward, between responding to cues and maintaining relaxation. This phase has seen him become more responsive and less anxious, setting a solid foundation for the next stages of his training.
Progressing with Ruger: Fostering Confidence and Relaxation
In this phase of Ruger’s training, I focus on helping him overcome his anxiety, particularly around being mounted and moving off. This phase is pivotal in Ruger’s journey as I expect to see significant strides in his comfort and understanding of the riding process.
New Objectives
1. Building Confidence During Mounting:
Initially, Ruger was apprehensive about being mounted, often spooking forward as a reaction. I have invested considerable time in mounting and dismounting repeatedly, fostering a sense of security and normalcy in this routine.
2. Promoting a Relaxed Walking Pace:
Encouraging Ruger to walk calmly and not rush off has been a key aspect of this phase. By gently nudging him to walk forward and allowing him to lower his head naturally, I’m guiding him toward a more relaxed demeanor.
3. Improving Neck Reining and Backing Up:
Alongside working on Ruger’s general relaxation, I am also focusing on refining his neck reining and backup skills. These are crucial for his overall control and responsiveness. I used the techniques in the video, Teaching a Correct Back Up and Why It Is Important, to work on Ruger’s back up.
Techniques and Milestones
Consistent Leadership and Guidance:
We’ve been using circles and gentle guidance to remind Ruger that he has a leader. This is vital for a horse like Ruger, who needs assurance and direction, especially given his initial fear.
Easing into Movement:
Instead of forcing a specific posture, I encourage Ruger to find his natural, comfortable head position. This approach has led to a notable decrease in his stiffness and an improvement in his gait.
Balancing Encouragement and Control:
Ruger’s training now involves gently pushing him to move a bit faster while ensuring he doesn’t revert to his old habit of rushing off. This balance is crucial for his confidence and understanding of cues. I can not understate how important this part is. He wanted to speed up, now I am asking for speed but for him to let me control it. This is the part most people don’t get. Many people just avoid the hole in their horse’s training, but I want to face it head-on. I am not just avoiding the problem, I am conquering it.
Exposure to Different Environments:
To broaden his comfort zone, I have been riding Ruger in various settings, like out of my arena, in my cow pasture, down the power lines, and in my parking lot. This exposure is instrumental in building his confidence and adaptability.
Responding to Physical Cues:
Ruger is now responding well to leg cues and is moving with more effort on his own, a sign of growing confidence and understanding of rider commands.
Thoughts on This Stage Of Ruger’s Training
Ruger has made remarkable progress to this point. His transformation from a horse who was anxious and quick to spook to one who is increasingly relaxed and responsive is a testament to the power of patient, consistent training. His journey underscores the importance of understanding each horse’s individual needs and adapting the training accordingly.
Building a New Foundation: Patience and Confidence in Ruger
Now it is time for my focus to shift from addressing negative behaviors to creating new desired behaviors. This phase is about instilling new positive behaviors and habits that will guide Ruger for the rest of his life.
New Key Goals For This Stage of Ruger’s Training
1. Retraining A New Foundation:
I’ve identified that Ruger’s foundational training involved being pushed too hard and too quickly, leading to his nervous behavior. My objective is to replace these old patterns with new, positive experiences, emphasizing relaxation and trust.
2. Improving Physical Condition:
Ruger has gained a fair amount of weight, improving significantly from his earlier condition. While his muscle development in the shoulders and hips is still a work in progress, there’s a noticeable improvement in his overall physical state and I want to continue to improve on that.
3. Enhancing Relaxation During Saddling:
I am still aware of Ruger’s anxiety during saddling. I’m aiming for him to maintain a calm demeanor throughout the process, similar to how he relaxes when attention is not directly on him.
Techniques and Challenges
Consistent, Calm Handling:
I continue to handle Ruger in a consistent and calm manner, especially when saddling and bridling. This approach helps him understand that these activities are not threatening.
Addressing Mental Blocks:
Ruger’s mental state is still a significant focus. I’m working on replacing the negative experiences with positive ones, particularly when gearing up for a ride. This involves a lot of patience and gentle reassurance.
Controlled Exercise to Build Confidence:
I’m incorporating exercises that raise his heart rate and then bring it back down, teaching Ruger to manage his stress and relax even after physical exertion. This is critical in building his confidence and trust.
Balancing Leadership and Support:
My approach balances providing clear leadership with supporting Ruger when he shows a lack of confidence. When he’s unsure, I guide him; when he’s confident, we allow him more freedom.
Neck Reining and Backing Up:
I continue to work on his neck reining and backing up skills, ensuring that he’s responsive to leg and rein cues. This not only improves his maneuverability but also his overall responsiveness to rider commands. All through Ruger’s training I relied heavily on the foundation training techniques that I demonstrate in the video, Foundation Training.
Thoughts on Building A New Foundation
Ruger’s journey through this phase has been about reconstructing his foundational training, focusing on building confidence and trust. His progress, while challenging, shows promising signs of a horse that is learning to relax and trust the process. The key is patience and consistent, positive reinforcement, helping Ruger understand that he is in a safe and supportive environment. You can watch me work with Ruger in this phase in the video, Retraining the Foundation.
Ruger’s Final Phase: Achieving Relaxation and Refining Skills
As I reach the final phase of Ruger’s training, significant strides have been made. Ruger, who once reacted nervously to mounting and would charge off immediately, has now learned to stand still and walk off gently. This phase is about fine-tuning his skills and preparing him for his return home.
New Key Goals For This Stage Of Training
1. Solidifying Calm Mounting and Walking Off:
The primary focus has been to reinforce Ruger’s calmness during mounting and walking off. His improvement in this area is a testament to the consistent and patient training he’s undergone.
2. Working on Neck Reining and Backing Up:
With the mounting issue significantly improved, I’ve shifted more focus to refining his neck reining and backing up skills. These are crucial for his overall maneuverability and responsiveness.
3. Preparing for Transition Home:
As Ruger is set to return home soon, this phase is also about ensuring he’s ready to transition smoothly. I want his owners to enjoy a horse who is not only more relaxed but also better skilled.
Training Techniques and Achievements
Gentle and Consistent Encouragement:
I continue to encourage Ruger gently and consistently. This approach has been key in transforming his initial anxiety into a more relaxed demeanor.
Building Muscle Tone and Physical Fitness:
Ruger has gained muscle tone and overall physical fitness. This improvement is not just in his appearance but also in his movement, contributing to better control and comfort.
Enhancing Responsiveness:
Through various exercises, Ruger’s responsiveness to cues, especially regarding neck reining and backing up, has improved. His movements are more controlled and relaxed, showcasing his progress.
Focusing on Relaxation:
Maintaining relaxation has been a constant theme throughout Ruger’s training. This final phase reinforces the importance of relaxation for better performance and responsiveness.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition:
As Ruger prepares to return home, ensuring a smooth transition is crucial. I’ve worked on building his confidence and skills so that he can continue to thrive in his familiar environment.
Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation
Ruger’s training journey highlights the importance of patience, consistency, and understanding the unique needs of each horse. His transformation from a nervous, reactive horse to one that is relaxed, responsive, and more confident is a remarkable achievement. Ruger’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful and patient horse training. You can watch all of the videos of his training in the video series, Ruger.
As Ruger prepares to return home, we are confident that he will continue to flourish and bring joy to his owners. To read about another very challenging training journey check out Buddy’s Training Journey: Transformative! Buddy started very dangerous and ended up a very nice horse.
The journey in equine partnership is a path of continual learning and growth, and adopting this proactive approach will pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling experience with your equine companion. If you need professional help with your horse, you might consider an Equestrian Virtual Lesson. This is a great way to get a private lesson from Tim Anderson. My horse training journey has brought me from winning world titles to now trying to make every horse the best they can be and to help you improve your equestrian knowledge.