Zen Horse

Training Tip of the Week
Be Black or White
By Clinton Anderson


It's important to reward your horse when he does what you're asking.

The more black and white you are, the faster your horse will learn what you want. Strive for a definite difference between, "That's it! Good boy!" and, "Get out of my space! Stop pushing into me!"

If the horse isn't responding correctly, the faster you can make him feel uncomfortable for that behavior, the faster he will change it. The sooner you can make him feel uncomfortable when he tries to do the right thing, the sooner he will learn.


If your horse misbehaves, make him feel uncomfortable - he will instantly connect his action with your reaction.

For example, let's say your horse pins his ears back and acts as if he will bite you. You must be very clear - black and white - that you will not accept that behavior. If you do nothing, or make a half-hearted correction, you essentially tell the horse, "I want you to bite me next week."

On the other hand, if you immediately react when the horse nips - you might back him up, or do something else to make him feel uncomfortable - he will instantly connect his action with your reaction.

If my horse acts disrespectfully toward me, I will make him uncomfortable very quickly. It will be effective. Then it will be over and done with.


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