How can I teach my horse to be more responsive to aids?

Question

I have a 14 year old gelding, and I was wondering.. what's a good way to teach him to be more responsive with natural aids? I'm not into the whip and spurs kinda thing.

Thanks

Answer 1

consult a natural horseman trainer in your area. they are amazing!!!

good luck!

Answer 2

give him the smallest aid you can, and after about a second if he doesnt respond, make the aid a little stronger. do that until he responds to your aids. he'll get it fast. its the same for everything; speeding up, slowing down, turning, stopping... start asking really gently and keep making your aids stronger as he doesnt respond. it might take him a while to get his little moment of realization, but it really does work, and its definitely not harsh.

oh and once he does respond, make sure to pat him, of course. that way he'll be sure hes doing the right thing =]

Answer 3

ask lighter.

Horses are extremely smart.  They recognize patterns, and can only learn to be light and responsive if you start to condition them to light aides.

Give your aides in phases.  First, as soft as you want it to be.  Give it a few seconds.  If the horse responds, great!  If not, give the aid a little firmer, and so on.  Eventually, the horse will recognize the pattern, and will become more light.

You have to start asking with lightness in order to train the horse to respond to lighter aides

Answer 4

I have a very lazy horse, I use my voice the most.. and when he listens I always make sure i give him a pat, and make sure he knows im proud of him.   Praise is the best way to accomplish things with any animal