Post by Casper on Feb 19, 2007 16:29:37 GMT -5
#2 The Porcupine Game
Horses have an innate behavior called opposition reflex. It is the instinct to push through pressure and is what kicks into gear when they feel trapped. When they feel unsure, mentally, emotionally or physically, they want to push on whatever pressure they can feel, which may be the halter, the bit, the cinch or your leg.
This is why horses pull back and have trouble in small spaces like trailers. They are naturally claustrophobic, so the opposition reflex comes out as a strategy of survival.
The Porcupine Game is about teaching your horse to yield, or move away from pressure. People tend to want to use pokey, jabbing movements, but it is a steady pressure that causes a horse to learn about his responsibility to move off pressure and find his own comfort.
Be warned! Horses are black belts at these games! These are the tactics they use on each other to decide who is boss. They will, of course, challenge you to see who gives up first. Set yourself up to be as dependable as a fence post. This means that your legs are planted so the instant your horse moves, he gains relief from the steady pressure. The pressure should not follow him!
You may need something like a spur or dull rock in your hand if your horse is especially pushy and unyielding. Remember, start softly and build the pressure slowly and steadily until your horse moves. As soon as he yields, release the pressure and rub the spot you pressed on. Once he understands what you want, you'll be amazed at how light he can become.
Using The Porcupine Game (steady pressure),can you move your horse forwards, backwards, sideways, right and left, front end, back end, head down and up? You should be able to move him using moderate and even pressure with your fingertips. Your horse should stay with you, not escape from your finger pressure and stop when you rub those same spots.
Horses have an innate behavior called opposition reflex. It is the instinct to push through pressure and is what kicks into gear when they feel trapped. When they feel unsure, mentally, emotionally or physically, they want to push on whatever pressure they can feel, which may be the halter, the bit, the cinch or your leg.
This is why horses pull back and have trouble in small spaces like trailers. They are naturally claustrophobic, so the opposition reflex comes out as a strategy of survival.
The Porcupine Game is about teaching your horse to yield, or move away from pressure. People tend to want to use pokey, jabbing movements, but it is a steady pressure that causes a horse to learn about his responsibility to move off pressure and find his own comfort.
Be warned! Horses are black belts at these games! These are the tactics they use on each other to decide who is boss. They will, of course, challenge you to see who gives up first. Set yourself up to be as dependable as a fence post. This means that your legs are planted so the instant your horse moves, he gains relief from the steady pressure. The pressure should not follow him!
You may need something like a spur or dull rock in your hand if your horse is especially pushy and unyielding. Remember, start softly and build the pressure slowly and steadily until your horse moves. As soon as he yields, release the pressure and rub the spot you pressed on. Once he understands what you want, you'll be amazed at how light he can become.
Using The Porcupine Game (steady pressure),can you move your horse forwards, backwards, sideways, right and left, front end, back end, head down and up? You should be able to move him using moderate and even pressure with your fingertips. Your horse should stay with you, not escape from your finger pressure and stop when you rub those same spots.