Horse Articles

Make Your Horse Stop

Here's a great riding tip: I won't ask my horse to stop. I just quit riding. If he doesn't stop then I go right back to working on something I need to work on. The more excited the horse is, the more important it is for you as a horse trainer to do this. You gotta work hard; you've got to pick up the reins, move the shoulders, soften that nose up, make something happen. You want to make sure that your aggressive, you're assertive. You know what you're doing and where you want to go.

This is the solution anytime your horse is doing something you don’t want him to do: You need to replace the action you don’t want with action you do want. Don't discipline, replace. If I don't want my horse to stand here and paw, then I'm going to ask him to practice something we need to practice. If he wants to fight with his head, then I'm going to keep pressure on the reins, waiting (on my release) for him to soften up - all the while practicing a particular step such as consistently stepping the left front foot up and to the right. If he wants to paw, we work more intensely. If he even thinks about laying down, I'm going to ask him to move. If he wants to dance around... you guessed it, I put him to work. I turn the negative into a positive by improving some aspect of that horse’s training.

When he decides he wants to stop, then I'm going to stand here and wait. But if he decides to move (or paw or antagonize another nearby horse), I'm not going to stop him. I'm going to ask him to get moving and improve something. I'll become a more assertive trainer; I'll ask more out of my horse. I can't stress that enough: the more nervous, the more excited the horse is, the more important it is for you as a trainer to become more active. Put energy into it and make the horse sweat. Make something happen. Don't wait.

This article is part of the "Horse Riding Instruction" series. To read more, or to find a clinic or Certified John Lyons horse trainer near you, visit horsemanship101.com.

About the authors:

Josh Lyons: One of the most sought-after clinicians in the world, Josh Lyons offers you and your horse a second chance or an enhancement of your existing relationship. His gentle and objective methods, pioneered by his father John Lyons, have helped novice rider and pro alike. Josh continues the “Lyons Legacy,” teaching the John Lyons Certification Program in Parachute, CO and touring often. He is a frequent contributor to national publications like "Perfect Horse" and "Horse & Rider.” Find out more about Josh Lyons at LyonsLegacy.com.

Keith Hosman: If your horse won't speed up, slow down, stop or turn, you missed the latest training methods from Josh and John Lyons. Have you lost your confidence? Want a horse to brag about? Invest one weekend to make big changes with John Lyons Certified Trainer Keith Hosman. Keith is based near San Antonio, TX and is available for clinics, private sessions and training. He frequently conducts clinics and demonstrations — with an event coming soon to a town near you. For more horse training articles, or to attend a clinic or find a John Lyons trainer living in your area, visit horsemanship101.com now.

No part of this article may be reproduced without the express written permission of Josh Lyons and Keith Hosman. To contact us regarding reprints or syndication of our articles (in print or online), please contact us via www.horsemanship101.com.