What is your prefered training method?

Question

There are many training methods out there when it comes to training horses and all have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one do you prefer and why?

(I am trying to decide which method will be best to use)

Thanks

Answer 1

I know that I am not qualified to train a horse even though I've owned my own horses for 16 years and have ridden off an on all my life (I'm 47 years old).  

The man that trained my horse follows Clinton Anderson and I was very impressed with the results.  Favorite though?  I can't say, I might have been just as impressed if he followed another trainer's techniques.  The method is not as important as the results.  If you end up with a horse that has a good mind and attitude that will do the things he was trained to do then who cares which methods were used.  What is important is if the method is not cruel or abusive and results in a quality mount that can be trusted.

Answer 2

Western style. Clinton Anderson is great!!! Perelli (how ever you spell it) is c**p!!!!! Thise games drive the horse away & then they remain scared of you. I have seen many end up that way!!! Good luck!

Answer 3

i try to train every horse different, because they r all different and all different personalties and learners.

i like Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and a lot of other people. but i like to get to kno the horse b4 i start workin with it. just sitting in its coral or pasture, or petting it, mayb offer a treat, stuff like that. especially if its a horse im just training for someone and i dont really kno. if its a horse i own like a new baby im trainin then i like to start a little slow, see wat i have to work with then take it from their. but never ever make their first experiences be scary ones because they r prey animals, and we are predator.

but their is no one thing i follow, i try to lean every way i can and see wat works best.

Answer 4

One size doesn't fit all... Some methods work well with some horses and situations, some with others. You have to know when to use what. I don't have a preferred method. I have some that I really like and others I just ignore, but I never stick to just one "way" of doing things. I think the more techniques you have down the better.

Answer 5

Ive just started working with methods by Richard Maxwell - these methods include natural horsemanship such as joining up and the likes - its my first time using this type of method and so far I find it absolutely fascinating - unlike old methods of breaking and training - you can really see how the horse begins to submit and listen and even rely on you - Ive a great bond forming with the youngster Im currently working with and would highly recommend this form of training - a really good book which I would recommend from this guy is called "From Birth to Backing"

xx

Answer 6

Like another poster, you are probably going to get more out of the training process if you use a local trainer and work with this person.  The "clinicians" blow into town, sell you a bunch of tapes, DVDs or books and then you are on your own.  Rarely does every horse do the same thing and when your horse does something different than is on the tape, then what?  You have no guidance for what to do next.  Personally I don't particularly like any of the "marketing" clinicians.  Meaning you have to follow their program to a "T", buy their equipment, attend all their clinics etc, and it ends up costing you a bunch of money and in the end you still have not trained your horse to be ridden.  Best advice is to find a local trainer who you like and trust and then involve yourself in the training process.  Good luck

Answer 7

Definitely Parelli, because it's more natural than anything else.

Answer 8

I personally use most John Lyons and a bit of Pat Parelli.  And my own lessons.  Positive motivation is the way to go:)  I think you get the best results with it.  All horses are different as we are from one another and not all training techniques work for each horse.

Answer 9

Whichever one works.

That means you have to know more than one way to do things, because there is not one method that works on all horses.  Learning just one style of training will limit your abilities, and in turn, limit the horses abilities too.

edit:  A good place to start would be with Brannaman, or Dorrance.  Or even better yet - a local trainer that can give you some "hands on" experience.

Answer 10

i like the natural ways. training methods that use "horse language" because it's the least stressful in my opinion. it also allows a strong bond with the horse, which is a really cool thing to have, it's great to be able to go to a horse and know that he/she is coming and working with you willingly.

Answer 11

it really depends on what your horse needs. I know this may sound odd to some people. But i show arabs that are bred for halter (they have very long backs and necks) and "let them come to me" you take it very slow, and start at a walk and let them stretch down into the bridle so that they are holding the bit in their own mouth. ( also good if your headstall breaks in the middle of a class =]) i start when i beging warming up. i believe whenever you are riding a horse, or the horse is in hand that it is a learning experience, and when it's turned out into a lot or pasture it can be a horse. i start by massaging their withers, it relaxes them and makes them l**k their lips ( a sign that they are happy) when they are happy i always let them relax their heads down and start asking for their heads, i don't tell them where their heads should be. (if you do that you get a horse that is heavy on the forehand, and has his/her head turned like you wouldn't believe) then you do the same thing at the trot and the canter. it's just very slow, but it's a very great way. i've had many state and regional champions started like this and i've finished them. its a good thing to try.

Answer 12

i take ideas from all schools of thought i particularly like Monty Roberts and natural horsemanship but i have learn ed loads from a old school 70 year old hunt yard owner see what sort of horse you have and what you want to do with him good luck

Answer 13

some of my friends do parelli