Mike's Philosophy about training horses

I believe that there are many similarities between horses and humans. They're similar, but not alike. You have to be careful to draw a line between the two and don't try to apply human reasoning to a horse. However, what you learn from one, you can most often apply to the other. I'm endlessly fascinated by the way a horse learns. I continue to enjoy how much I learn, not just about training, but about life in general, every day as I work with the horses.

At the most basic level, horses learn by the process of stimulus / response. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, you then stop the stimulus and reward the horse. That's training in a nutshell, but, needless to say, there's a good deal more to understanding how to apply and cease the stimulus in the best and most humane way possible.

Even though humans are many levels above horses in the ability to think, if we were put under the same conditions some horses face, we would react in much the same way they do. The reason for this, I believe, is that under pressure we don't think, we react. If our reaction reduces the pressure, then we made the right choice. If, however, the pressure is not reduced, or if it is increased, our instinct is to react more strongly.

In my training, I want to increase the chances of a horse making the correct decision. The best way I know to do this is to teach so the horse learns in a soft, non-traumatic way. Then repeat the lesson over and over until it becomes what is called a " conditioned response". He will then accept it and do it willingly thereafter. Then, if the horse is ever put under pressure, instead of panicking and doing something wrong, he will instead give me the conditioned response that I asked for and react in the way that I want.

Sliding stop without the bridle

I emphasize going slowly and taking plenty of time with a colt. Patience and a steady approach builds confidence in both horse and trainer. Two of the most important things to remember when working with horses are to use common sense and to make safety, for yourself and for your horse, your first consideration.

The last thing I want to tell you is to have fun. If you're not enjoying yourself or looking forward to the training, then leave it to someone else. If you get mad or frustrated count to ten or take a time out. Come back later when you have a better frame of mind. Horse training can be very rewarding. Keep it fun and you won't have to look for the rewards, they'll find you.