What Ways Are There to Train a Horse?
Horse training methods fall broadly into three categories, which may be termed "traditional," natural" and "combination."
Traditional methods have been used for centuries, and could include the use of such artificial aids aids as martingales, spurs and whips.
Natural training methods have become extremely popular in recent years, and involve taking a more natural approach and working with behavior-based methods.
Combination training involves picking different aspects from both the above methods and combining them to make a personalized approach.
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Training a Horse Using Traditional Methods
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Traditional training methods have been developed for centuries, since the beginning of man's relationship with the horse. Modern techniques have refined these methods, and the majority of horses are still broken for riding using some variation of these techniques.
Breaking a horse for riding in this way would include an introduction to being lunged (worked in a circle on a long rope) with and without tack. The handler would then back the horse with the help of an assistant, and gradually begin the horse's ridden education.
Training a Horse Using Natural Horsemanship Methods
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Natural horsemanship involves working with the horse on as natural a level as possible, using a philosophy of communication. Natural horsemanship tends to make less use of gadgets for training horses, and such gadgets as are used tend to be more for education than submission.
Breaking a riding horse using natural techniques would focus on more groundwork to build a trust relationship. The relationship between the horse and handler would be comparatively advanced before the horse was backed
One of the best known exponents of natural horsemanship is Monty Roberts, who uses an innovative trust-building technique known as join-up.
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Training a Horse Using Combinations of Methods
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Every horse responds differently to training, and must be treated as an individual. Some horses react very badly to traditional training techniques, but are happy with a more natural approach. Others are happy with some elements of a natural approach, but prefer being ridden in a traditional bridle rather than a pressure halter.
Many owners therefore pick elements of both traditional and natural training methods, and personalize an approach to suit their own horse.
The Best Training Method
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It is important to emphasize that no one training method is better than another. Horses are individuals and will respond differently to different situations.
In the training of any horse, the important thing is that the handler understands clearly both the technique they are using and the outcome they are trying to achieve. Many trainers understand both traditional and natural techniques, and will tailor their approach to the situation. Experience, flexibility and patience are the most important training techniques of all.
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