Horse Training / Short-Term Goals

by Gina Marie Hery

Equine Enthusiast and Products Consultant

Whether you and the horse you are working with are experienced, in competitive work-out, learning from a trainer, or alone in your exercises; short-term goals can be a life-saver!  In all disciplines and in all situations, working with a horse requires the "herd leader", "trainer", or "handler" = You, to have some, or one short-term goal(s) as building blocks for your success...

Of course, the number of short-term goals that you schedule during each encounter with your equine partner, should match your skill level and your horses ability level.  Yes, horses also poses different ability levels, based on a variety of factors such as, age, previous training, breeding, size, conformation, health, and the list goes on.

Obviously, young horses will require extensive training and patience along with some small steps you can set as your short-terms goals.  It is important to let the horse absorb the new information before going on to the next goal.  This will help solidify the foundation of your training, while increasing your horse's knowledge that you are leading them.  Your patience during each step will decrease frustrations and make the process much safer. 

It is helpful for the inexperienced riders to obtain some type of lessons, as horseback riding requires intricate knowledge of these animals.  Learning more about this complex four-legged friend can make the whole experience more enjoyable and safer for horse and rider.  When choosing to employ professional assistance or a training technique, keep in mind the type of riding discipline you prefer along with some of your preferences in your trainer's style and demeanor.  Know what some of your goals are with your horse, since your success and investment is determined by what you would like to get out of your own horse experience.  Interviewing trainers can be an eye-opening experience and can answer some questions that you may already have.  Always check credentials and references. 

Some much older, horses that seem to be a safe riding choice, may not have what it takes to endure a serious training day.  Sometimes it is due to physical limitations, other limiting situations may arise due to some lack the basic training.  These are great examples of times to take it slow.  Working up to a long training session takes practice and healthy participants.

You may often encounter something that a horse needs to be reminded about.  It is common to have a 'hole' in basic training, or even that a process was rushed in earlier training sessions.  In order for that horse to perform, it is not a rare case to need a refresher or to repeat a previous lesson.  Many times, just because the horse is older, or doesn't "spook" easily, or seemingly has plenty of hours under the saddle; you may still run into some issues.  Therefore, your short-term goal for that horse, will be taking some steps backward to a more basic lesson can clear up any potential hazards.

You can see how your goals will also need to be flexible.  It is one thing, to set out training your horse with a particular plan in mind, but all too often, once you are out there, things can change quickly.  So, it is important to remember that a horse will require you to adjust accordingly.  It is also best to end on a "good note".  Great trainers know that horses have an incredible memory.  They will remember their last encounter with you most often better than you do.  A great goal to include in every session with your horse, is to figure out how to make them want to see you again and feel good about what you discovered together.

Other obstacles to keep in mind for practicing and training include the tack that you have available.  There are so many choices these days, and even experts are finding new techniques or "improved" equipment.  It can be your favorite, most comfortable saddle that your horse has finally had enough of and refuses to continue with!  It could be the spurs that you are using, or the bit in his mouth.  Shop around, be open to advise and new techniques, as they are arising constantly.  Have fun with it, we can always learn something new - no matter how much we think we know.

Whatever is bothering the horse, they can only tell you in their behavior, or body-language.  As your horse's leader, you must become knowledgeable about how they can understand you and you, them.  Set goals with that learning curve in mind too.  All of your experiences with the horse begins on the ground, before any riding.  At that time, before you are in the saddle and starting with your greeting of the day, you can set goals to earn the respect of your four-legged friends.

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