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Understanding Kindergarten in Horsemanship
When working with horses, especially those with behavioral issues, the foundation of training begins with establishing respect. In the world of horse training, this crucial first step is referred to as "Kindergarten." Just as children learn fundamental social skills in kindergarten, horses must also learn basic respect and boundaries before advancing to more complex training.
The Importance of Establishing Respect
Before we can teach a horse anything, we must establish ourselves as the leader. In a natural setting, when a new horse is introduced into a herd, they undergo a process of hierarchy establishment. This involves smelling, running, bucking, and kicking until the hierarchy is determined. Once the pecking order is set, they return to their usual routine of grazing and resting.
Similarly, when training a horse like Rico, an eight-year-old Paso Fino gelding, the first step is to ensure he acknowledges our leadership. This is achieved through a process called "Kindergarten," which focuses on respect and attention.
The Kindergarten Process: Steps to Success
1. Maintaining Personal Space
The first requirement for a horse to pass kindergarten is understanding and respecting personal space. This means:
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The horse must stay out of the trainer's "bubble," which extends to arm’s length.
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When the trainer stops, the horse should also stop.
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The horse should back up when prompted, without physical pressure.
2. Attention and Focus
One of the key signs of respect is undivided attention. If a horse is not paying attention to the trainer, they might inadvertently invade personal space or ignore commands. To maintain their focus:
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Unexpected stops and turns should be incorporated into groundwork.
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If the horse does not stop when the trainer stops, they should be backed up immediately to reinforce respect.
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The horse should be aware of the trainer’s movements at all times.
3. Backing Up with Minimal Pressure
Backing up is a fundamental exercise that establishes respect. A horse that refuses to back up easily is signaling defiance. To ensure success:
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Begin with a visual cue.
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Follow with a verbal cue.
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If necessary, apply minimal physical pressure to encourage movement.
A well-trained horse will back up without the need for physical pressure, showing that they have learned to respect their handler's cues.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. The Horse Doesn’t Stop When You Stop
If a horse continues to walk forward when the trainer stops, it could be due to a lack of attention or respect. The solution is to immediately back them up until they recognize the need to be attentive.
2. The Horse Tries to Dodge Instead of Backing Up
Some horses attempt to evade backing up by shifting left or right. To counter this:
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Ensure the horse remains straight by keeping two eyes and two ears facing forward.
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Apply consistent pressure to guide them in a straight line backward.
3. Rearing When Asked to Back Up
If a horse rears instead of backing up, avoid stepping closer to them. Instead:
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Maintain pressure from a distance to encourage backward movement.
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Keep a safe distance to avoid injury.
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Continue the pressure until the horse responds correctly.
Daily Reinforcement of Respect
Training respect isn’t a one-time event; it requires daily reinforcement. Before tacking up, take a few moments to test respect levels by stopping and observing if the horse follows suit. This simple exercise provides insight into their mood and attentiveness for the day.
The Key Takeaways
For a horse to pass kindergarten, they must:
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Respect personal space and stay out of the trainer’s bubble unless invited.
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Stop when the trainer stops and back up without physical pressure.
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Pay attention and respond appropriately to cues.
By ensuring these principles are in place, trainers set the foundation for safe and effective horse training. Kindergarten is not just about obedience—it’s about building a respectful relationship that will last a lifetime.
