How To Get & Keep Your Horse's Attention

Is your horse easily distracted by noises, other horses, or ‘spooky’ objects? Does he seldom watch where he is headed with ears forward? This is a sure fire sign that his attention is focused on everything else but you which can be a dangerous and frustrating situation.
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[@wolfnrus]

My horse likes to sightsee when we trail ride, which we do 95% of the time alone. When we pick up a trot, he stays on the trail, but at a walk he's Mr. Lookie Lou. I was taught to let him make a mistake (wandering off the path) and then correct him back onto the path. Well, it works for a few minutes, then he wanders again. The other day I finally decided I'd had enough and so turned him into a couple circles, but not quite as gently as Carson does here. Gonna try this video's method next time we ride out. But just so you know, this gelding of mine took me for a brilliant gallop across a grassy expanse in the Saphire range foothills here in Corvallis, MT after going for about a 1-2mile working trot along the hillsides. So, I can't complain very much. Looking west was the snowcapped Bitterroot range (actually part of the Rockies). I've got a great horse. 🙂

[@jasonpettitt3152]

Such a good exercise to give your horse something else to pay attention too. Also will help me to pay more attention lol

[@cjalford8401]

Love watching your process!

[@miketoch1139]

My boy just speeds up, gets excited, doesn’t really spook but wants to go. Today I practiced bumping the reins to slow him back down. Works. Then redirecting when needed, seems good. Was working on disengaging hind quarters, he doesn’t like, tells me he wants to quit and disapproves, then neighbors dog comes running out, around across the street and when he barks, Mo kicks . I would say bucks, others tell me he is just kicking out. He did calm quickly but I couldn’t get him to turn towards the dog or listen to me much at all. When it was safe for me to get off, I did and worked him on the ground in the area for 10-15 minutes. My horse scared me but I am told he would never hurt me.

[@jaygoska9042]

You do a great job explaining things. All of your videos are very helpful Thank You

[@33CHRISTINA33]

Very helpful tips, thank you! 🐴🌻

[@glxpassat]

Carson James, I have struggles with my mare getting ridiculously distracted - while riding. I do, and have been very consistent with bringing her back to neutral. when doing so, I will also tell her "focus." But to no avail. She gets so distracted; mis-steping, walking off trail, etc. What would be some helpful recommendations, in order for me to correct things? TIA

[@SLOROB55]

If I’m not particularly, I can’t expect my horse to be particular.

[@zellko9080]

Watched this this morning, tried it this afternoon, and, it worked! I do have a question. My horse is very light in the mouth. After 15 min. of wiggling a rein (every couple minutes when he got distracted), it brought his attention back, but he started to seem confused when I needed him to respond to light pressure on the bit. I tried just wiggling the rein against his neck, but that didn't seem to make a difference. (He is a gaited horse who has no interest in neck reining. ) What do I need to do differently?

[@comesahorseman]

First things first; if you want your horses full attention, you first have to give your full attention to the horse.

[@jonnyp.5809]

I noticed that with your saddle (and other wade saddles) that the saddle is touching the withers? Is that a normal thing for wades?

[@reidbankert4425]

As far as I know roping/ranch saddles are supposed to sit a little low on a horses withers. When you’re roping and have 800lbs connected to your horn you want your dallies low so the saddle doesn’t tip forward and get you in a bind. Think of it like a seesaw, the higher up you are on the seesaw the easier it is to pull you down. If you are already pulled down you can maintain your balance.

[@kirkcowen6015]

That fork isn’t touching the horses withers. It’s an optical illusion