2001 #2
Choosing A Natural Training StyleNatural Horse training is not new! For a long time the rough and tumble method of horse breaking was thought to be the norm- but even the rankest horse reponds to communication it can understand. Generations of these "whispering" horse trainers have passed the theory of natural communication down through the years. Many a "horse breaker" has seen the superior results that can be obtained with less harsh, more natural training methods.But, with the proliferation of styles... you're thinking... Pat Parelli? John Lyons? Monty Roberts? Marv Walker? "Clicker"? and "Tackless?" training and more! With all those styles of Natural/roundpen training, how do you decide which method to use?
No matter the name, most styles of training share a common facet: moving the horse around to achieve a balance of power. Some styles, like Clicker, Parelli and Lyons use "regular" methods to move the horse; others like Roberts, Walker and Tackless use an equine-like communication thru movement and body language.
Whichever you choose for your primary style, you will find that modifications may be needed to suit the individual horse you are working. A shy horse may respond better to hand movements rather than whole body communication. A rope or whip shy horse may need body language to reduce its fear levels. An aggressive or unresponsive horse may pay you more attention if you lengthen your personal space with a wand or rope.
Determining the stype of training depends mostly on personal preference. However, you should decide the method you prefer and familiarize yourself with, and practice, the theory and movements before getting into the roundpen.
All methods work well and can be combined and modified to suit your individual needs. We have included a brief look at the pros and cons of the general divisions:
"Clicker"Whatever the style that works best for you, be confident that you have chosen the best method of Natural Training for the comfort and well-being of our horse.
Pros: great for an audible reward/prompt.
Cons: Relys on the sound and is therefore difficult to use in some situations such as when there is no clicker available or, in the show ring. Also Clicker training is usually a food-reward based training method and is therefore a submissive behavior on your part and oftentimes response can be slow when food rewards are not given for a period of time.
"Traditional Roundpen"
Pros: requires less external devices- horses adapt well to this method.
Cons: you may still need a whip/stick or rope to extend/expand your personal space. Rest of mounted work uses regular training cues which aren't natural for the horse to understand.
"Tackless/Body Language"
Pros: no external devices- you are using your body or hand movements to communicate instinctively with the horse. Cues easily transfer over to mounted riding.
Cons: some people feel the body movements are awkward to learn or look/feel silly. If this is you and you want to use equine-like communication, cosider trying Monty Roberts' style with hand/arm movements. But, remember that the horse understands your movements, no matter how silly they may seem to you and it's the horse that counts!
