08/29/2023
An inevitability of training young (or even older, letโs be honest!) horses is that the addition of speed will get in the way of all the hard work the trainer and horse have put in! As your horse moves faster, their balance, length of stride, and footwork change. Mistakes happen, and as a trainer I not only expect them, but embrace them. After all, Iโm the one who asked for the speed, I shouldnโt be mad at my horse for doing what I asked.
The foundations of my horseโs training are what I fall back on to help the horse figure out new pressure. Basic placement and footwork, and a focus on rewarding effort are key. Some horses figure it out in a few tries, others need more time, but as long as they are putting in an effort I feel itโs important to let them keep trying without me micromanaging the situation. I already know I wonโt micromanage them in competition, so Iโm not going to do it in practice!
I will give them a try or two, then back off to a speed I can reinforce basics. Once Iโve made my point, I will usually try it again with more speed to see if the horse improves. If they do (even if itโs not perfect!) thatโs a wrap on the days training. Reward them and be Don. If not, I will slow back down again and/or pull them off pattern to work on some buttons.
All athletes need repitition, and performing at a new speed is a skill that has to be learned over and over again. Happy Training!
