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Horse and Rider Training - Thought Versus Action
Written by Josh Lyons and Keith Hosman
horsemanship101.com
When you think different, you are different. The more you raise your
expectations, the better your horse will become. Combining those two
thoughts bring us to a concept called "Thought vs Action." Riding an
"action" is how ninety-nine percent of the people ride ninety-nine
percent of the time. That is to say they ride "a left turn," "a spin,"
or "a stop." They release their rein on a maneuver. "When the head
softens up, we release." That's "riding the maneuver" or the "action."
But instead of riding the action, why not ride the "thought"? The
thought is simply "Why is the horse doing it?" Then when I ride, it's
not so much the action that I release on as the thought in the horse's
head. I ask myself: Does he turn faster to the right because the
gate's over there and he wants to leave? That's a thought the horse is
having. If you're doing a spin and he's drifting toward another horse,
is he just trying to get to that other horse? That's also a thought.
Ask yourself "Why and how is he doing the maneuver you're asking him
to do? If the thought isn't good, then correct the thought, not the
action. And, when you start riding the thought, you automatically
begin riding one step ahead of your horse. The better you get the
thought to be, the better the action becomes.
For instance, if I were to ask somebody to stand up three times, they
might stand up with apprehension the first time, curiosity the second
– and reluctance the third. But, if I were to offer that same person a
hundred bucks to stand up they'd stand up with conviction (and
probably a smile). They'd still stand up, but the way they stand up is
completely different. Now they're thinking "yes!" instead of simply
doing as I ask out of respect, fear, etcetera. The proper motivation
makes a huge difference.
If I ride my horse the same way, where I work on the thought, I become
an active rather than reactive rider. I stay one step ahead of the
horse and that makes me ride better.
Disclaimer:
Equine training can be a hazardous activity which may subject the
participants to possible serious injury. Keith Hosman, Josh Lyons,
Patrick Benson and their associates will not assume any liability for
your activities. Our newsletter, books and videos provide general
information, instruction and techniques that may not be suitable for
everyone. No warranty is given regarding the suitability of this
information, the instructions, and techniques to you or other
individuals acting under your instructions.
This newsletter was written by Josh Lyons and Keith Hosman. All Rights
Reserved (TM) 2006, Keith Hosman and Josh Lyons. No part of this
article may be reproduced without our express written permission.
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