Training Tip: Pay Attention to Your Horse’s Frame of Mind

Your horse’s frame of mind is important when you consider what to work on during a training session. Whenever you’re working on desensitizing your horse (teaching him to stand still and relax when approached by an object), set the situation up so that your horse is in a good frame of mind, meaning that he’s using the thinking side of his brain and is wanting to stand still. That’s the complete opposite of working with a horse that’s been cooped up in a stall for seven hours and is itching to move his feet. Before you work on desensitizing, spend some time moving the horse’s feet forwards, backwards, left and right. Once you’ve moved his feet and he’s using the thinking side of his brain – he’s calm, attentive and tuned in to you – then you can start to desensitize him. At that point, he’ll be looking to stand still and have a rest.