The OTHER training method thread

PasoBaby_CarolU · The OTHER training method thread

Seems we need a new thread to discuss other training methods besides NH and WHR, such as clicker training and traditional methods, both English and Western. I believe there is something to be learned from all of them, even if it is what NOT to do.

I personally trained Western all my life, switched to Spanish (Paso Finos) and have tried Clicker training. I do a blend of many methods. I've also seen things that give you nightmares.

cheerios

If people are interested in discussing clicker training, there's several good threads for that already. Mainly these two:
http://itsaboutthehorse.myfastforum.org/about1577.html
http://itsaboutthehorse.myfastforum.org/about588.html

I love clicker training. I use Parelli/NH/traditional methods along with the clicker, the amount of negative reinforcement I use really depends on the horse and the task. For instance, I've been teaching Rosie yo-yo game. We've worked on it twice now, and I can wiggle my finger at a 'phase 1' and she backs 4-5 steps away from me. We're working on increasing the distance. However, since I'm using the clicker, I've never gone above a phase 1 in either of the sessions.

I love watching other trainers, even if I don't agree completely with the way they train. I find I can sometimes pick up good tips from the trainer, and I can always learn something by watching the trainer and the horse interact.

cheerios

Here's a question....

I know a lot of traditional western trainers take the horse through the following progression:
snaffle --> hackamore --> curb

whereas the Parelli system seems to be:
rope halter hackamore --> snaffle --> curb
(and I've heard of a few other western trainers who do:
hackamore --> snaffle --> curb)

Disregarding Parelli for a moment, when should a horse be put in a snaffle and what might be the advantages to starting in a snaffle rather than a hackamore?

PasoBaby_CarolU

I think a snaffle is a more direct lateral tool. Very distinct on it's cues and clear to the horse what you are asking. The western bosal is not nearly as clear and not a very good lateral tool.

I'd rather see a horse started in a sidepull then a bosal.

peachpie

I'm a bit afraid to ride my horse (general fear of sudden run away, etc.) and someone offered to ride him using a bosal. Now I think I will turn down that offer. I have the Australian bridle which uses a nose band and sliding chin strap (can't remember right off what it's...oh, it's the Light Rider). I think she thinks there is not enough control with that.

PasoBaby_CarolU

The western bosal is not a bad piece of tack. I've trained with them before and to me they are little different then the Parelli hackamore. Nowadays I prefer the Jaquima, but understand why you'd start a horse in a snaffle and use it through the lateral aids. They are both lateral tools.

As for running away, only you know your horse. On a young horse it is up to you to keep them light in the headgear and not leaning on it, regardless of what it is. Once a horse learns to lean into pressure, they can/will blow through all kinds of head gear. I really don't think anything stops a determined runaway. But then only you know your horse. When we were kids, my sister's horse would run away with us. My dad hooked up an "emergency brake" which was a dog choke collar where wrapped around the nose band. A separate rein was attached to it and looped around the saddle horn. When she ran away, my sister used the brake. Reina was a VERY smart LBE. Once she decided the running away wasn't as much fun as it used to be, she quit it. (of course she went on to other amusing games to test riders).

One trick to a run away is to remember that they are leaning INTO the pressure. Take away the pressure and they quit leaning....THEN apply the brakes hard. The One rein stop is a god send...but I do have to admit that in certain environments, with runaways, it isn't appropriate.

Julie

I used a pelham when i was reschooling my horse which can be temperamental.