Horse Articles

Something's Gotta Get Better!: Thought Vs Action

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.

This article is part of the "Learning to Ride a Horse" 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.