The Principles of Training Season 3 Episode 2: "Stress Indicators"

[@suzithewitch]

I just wanted to let you know that I've been using "make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy" with my son. We talked and joked about it, and I would point out when I was doing it. He has a friend with severe depression who hasn't been doing anything about it. My son did the "make the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy" to help his friend decide to start therapy. So you've actually saved someone's life with these videos. Thank you.

[@WarwickSchiller]

Wow, thank you for sharing. Great work, your son should feel great about that!

[@enriquearmani9456]

@Bryan Roger definitely, have been watching on instaflixxer for since november myself :)

[@horseygirl70]

The most important video ever made in my opinion

[@carmenslee6234]

I agree!

[@comesahorseman]

This is the real foundation!

[@BillZaspel]

horseygirl nailed it! This is the foundation upon which all other work must be built: 1. Trust 2. Connection Everything else is easier if you have these first two things. AND, it takes as long as it takes. Thank you!

[@dianehookham]

I have depression and anxiety, I signed up for your lessons to help me with my horse, we had, had a couple of accidents, which caused me to lose my confidence, your lessons were helping me as well as my horse! I was so excited watching them then putting them into practice with my horse. Due to not being able to work because of depression I can't afford your web site lessons. I just want to say thank you so much for the bit of help you helped me with, you even replied to me when I asked a question, my experience helped me with my depression as well. I'm hoping to get back to your lessons one day, feeling a bit lost now. Thank you so much from New Zealand

[@Nimeariel]

It's amazing to see how "little" work is needed to fix a "huge" problem. Such a "short" amount of time, in comparison to the YEARS of issues these horses were having! It proves that even if you just put in a LITTLE effort, you can achieve BIGGER results than ever dreamed! And it just proves that horses DO care about us, at least in some capacity, as if we're family.

[@emerwatchorn6971]

Such a simple thing for us yet profound for the horses

[@Inca1122]

Holy cow! I'm 5:44 in and had to stop to digest the fact that you were explaining about a mustang w/ a bolting issue. I have that problem w/ my mustang and it's created so much anxiety for me and HIM. Now that I've watched this, I'm going back to the very very basics of just being with my mustang so I can read him better and get him to relax because he knows I'm present to how he's feeling. To think I found this video by accident? WOW! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!

[@nathaliefinkenzeller184]

So beautiful to observe the change you are going through from the earlier videos to now, just amazing! I just got your book and am so glad I finally found a horse trainer i can look up to, and truly agree and follow and learn all i can from you! Thank you for considering the horse as much as the human and explaining it so marvelously!

[@carlieneksteen9482]

Thank you so much. I was struggling with my horse for so long so I paid that God would show me what I should do and he brought me to your channel and now I'm so happy that I found it.

[@garlanddavis7099]

The heart of the horse is more open than we think

[@mashley444]

So insightful! It saddens me that people are in such a hurry to finish a horse that they forget to connect with it. The process of getting to know your horse and learning his language will get you a lot farther in gaining his trust and in the long run a much better relationship.

[@fantasticfjords]

Everybody should take the time to do this.

[@SheriBentley-no7fz]

Whew! Warwick, thanks for sharing what to look for: those stress indicators. Both of my mares try to block me with their heads. . . and they have both bolted with me. I've often heard that it's groundwork/the basics and you have explained HOW I can let my girls know that I get them, that I'm paying attention to them! I am looking forward to applying this to my girls. P.S. I love how you have said that the horse we have wanted is right there in our own pasture. . . yes, they are there and we are finding each other. Thank you!

[@daveanderson8776]

That is pretty cool Warwick !

[@Max-cd8fm]

As a horse trainer I too am moving more in to the psychology of the horses, love love that you are also !! It’s amazing the changes

[@lizasarinsky1]

My heart is so full of understanding about horses! I know this is just the beginning for me, but this video is a must see for any horse person!!

[@louisecassidy5991]

Its kinda the old "advance and retreat" but much more finely honed. I guess I've always done it, now I shall take a lot more notice. Thanks Warwick.

[@comesahorseman]

I've gentled Standardbred colts to the harness and line driving using advance and retreat. Now, I have some interesting refinements to try out! Fun! 😀

[@comesahorseman]

If they know that you know, they can feel much more secure and can begin to learn. This is what seperates great and average horse handlers. Awesome story, Warwick!! 😄

[@Inca1122]

I got chills from your comment! Love it

[@comesahorseman]

@@Inca1122 thanks, but I can't actually take credit for it! It's my tweaked version of something Ray Hunt said many years ago, and it stuck with me. Warwick reminds me of the veteran horsemen that I was very lucky to learn from; they were quiet and subtle around horses, and he's the same way. Take care, and be well! 😄🐎

[@samdeamel4941]

I have been watching the Principles of Training diligently and I have a 3 year old who does the same thing not letting me on her right side and is just overall uncomfortable with my presence at her sides. I applied the "Don't Go To Bed Angry" principle and did exactly that and she let me on her right side comfortably and let out a huge snort and chew! So rewarding to hear I am on the right track!

[@helenmelbourne9947]

This video has been a game changer for me. I was first able to apply it when my not hard to catch horse turned away ever so slightly as I went to get him. Just giving him the time to think and process makes him more willing every time. My skill level isn’t great, but I feel that listening to him this way makes him so much more trusting and forgiving when I do get it wrong. I’m learning that learning starts with listening. #journeyon20

[@evaaddkison400]

Amazing that something so simple and small is so ,,, big!

[@robinrummel1359]

As you were talking about the first mustang, I was imagining it what it was like for a herd animal that actually had a herd that he ran with and shared responsibility for. With captivity he was soley responsible for his safety and constantly on alert so he could never sleep deeply or as is sometimes said, be dead to the world, because he might truly be dead. The lack of REM sleep plus stress of constant vigilance would be exhausting. No wonder he would occasionally bolt, or again in human terms "act out". Seems so simple and logical but I wouldn't have thought in those terms, much less figured out how to help without your video. Thank you very much for your videos!!! 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️😀

[@jakehartman2064]

Thank you. I have a mustang and she doesn't feel safe with me. It took me awhile to figure that out. Establishing dominance really doesn't work on her. Smartest horse I have ever worked with. She's not spooky just very concerned about her environment. Always balking and has to stop and look. She has been out of the wild for about 12 years. I can't wait to try this method. Been looking for answers for her and I.

[@saspinks3001]

Jake - would love to hear how your mare is responding to your new listening.

[@Anna-rv3fv]

I have a mare that’s the exact same way and I think this video is about to be groundbreaking for us.

[@Inca1122]

I too have a mustang and he's also a "star gazer" but spooky at times. I'm hoping this method works. Please let us know how you do!

[@annamcknight2573]

I wish you had been around 50 years ago. I got to know a little about the horses I cared for. But I needed to learn such a LOT more. Lovely to see the loose and quivering lips on your little gelding. I thought it a sign of relaxation and love and sometimes embarrassment when mine did it with me.

[@robinrummel1359]

As with so many things in life, with maturity and an open mind willing to see things differently comes a greater understanding and reward whether it's in relationships with animals or people... including for Warwick since these are new to him also. Just like you I wish this was available 50 years ago but grateful it's in my lifetime! 😀👍❤️

[@fightlikeaboxer]

I’m gonna pay extra attention to my boy now to see if he’s telling me something! Thank you

[@annmariegentile-fileccia7]

I am trying this tomorrow! My horse does this!! Usually when he looks up suddenly (say while Im grooming) I will look in the direction and talk to him to find out what he’s looking at. But when his head follows me when I’m trying to approach his side, I just ease his head out of the way and continue on with ground work. I’m following this video! Thank you.

[@sintara8442]

When you are a horse and find your owner doesnt listen, theres pretty much just two things you can do. You can either 'shout harder' (bolt, bite etc) or you give up and stop 'talking' (shut down)

[@MattyDemello]

Good points. When a horse is nervous I tend to use this strategy. Same with sacking out. To me the point isn't to ambush and scare them. The point is to slowly let them accept it at their own rate. The only time I wont use this strategy is for discipline problems. IF you back up when they snort at you or get a little aggressive with you, then you teach them to do the bad things and you'll step back" but its great to have a good blend of techniques. Great video.

[@barbaraholden5135]

This episode was/is what I love to watch. It taught me to LISTEN. To listen to my horse, and understand that he needs me to know him. The brightest light went on for me, and it seemed to make him so much less shut down. I have been so rewarded, watching him come out of his shell. He’s happier, so much more relaxed. I wish I could have connected so much sooner than this, but I am ever so grateful for where we are now, and I know we will have so much more to look forward to together. #journeyon20

[@alisonwilks302]

I can't tell you how important these videos are to me . I am so grateful . You allow me to trust my instincts . Thank you so much xxxxxx

[@BethelhostMary]

Fantastic. This is so valuable. How about a book?

[@WarwickSchiller]

Working on it!

[@BethelhostMary]

WarwickSchiller Fabulous, thank you. My order is in!

[@comesahorseman]

Let us know! 😀

[@yoravee]

Me too

[@jSheapullen]

I am loving your new insight! It comes together much more sensibly for me now. New and affirming. Thank you

[@ss-cj5in]

Wow that story about the horse sleeping at the Texas clinic, amazing. Just shows how important it is to listen and how this gesture is so important and reassuring to the horse too. But to do that, to take the time to that, have the understand and ability to that is hard.

[@brandystanner8915]

My favorite part of your training is that you admit you don't do it the way you used to do it. I am new to training and this is evidence to me that the "old way" of doing things with horses is not as good as connection.

[@arinakhanna4028]

This video has really helped me to notice that my horse is stressed (because of me and my stress!) and how to notice it and help him to feel relaxed. Yesterday in our session he yawned for the first time. I think I always push him too hard or expect too much, but now I realise. However we have so much more to learn! #journeyon20

[@gaylef3477]

What great information. Your insight is such a big help for me with my 'spooky' horse, and I feel that this tidbit of knowledge will be a great help. Seems it will take some 'me' training to break all the old habits of getting compliance, but so worth it!!

[@Inca1122]

I'm with you there!!

[@jimmoore3705]

Excellent video. The more we pay attention to what the horse is telling us the easier it is to get him to do what we ask.

[@phebepeterson6348]

So glad I found your videos! Putting your profound, detailed principles of mind connection approaches into words and action have really clarified, sharpened & deepened years of engaged riding, my relationship with my newest young performance horse. Thank you :))

[@vigilantegal]

Thanks so much! You learned a lot and are passing it on to us! I think that is why horses can be such great teachers to humans. We are most often not present. I think this is especially important for therapy for those with PTSD.

[@annika93dk7]

Thank you for these golden nuggets of wisdom :) I am rearing to go learn more and try these principles on my own journey.

[@Max-cd8fm]

That’s great ! Ours sleep all the time and we even law chips down regularly under their favorite tree so they’ve got a dry comfy spot

[@liliahartley4242]

Great info Warrick. Loveing your horse listening training session. Its already been in action with my mare with results.

[@BarbaraHeim]

WOW tryed this with my horses and had a great breakthrough with espacially one of my horses which always had a little bit of tension left, no matter what I tryed. Thank you so much. I love to learn from you!

[@jillwakefield3831]

I have a little pony and most times when I want catch him and he's lying down he just watches me come towards him. One time he was lying there and I put his headcoller on and asked him to get up but he said no,I'm not in the mood, so I unclipped the lead rope and walked away. By the time I got to the gate he was right behind me!! I love that little boy!!!

[@brionyrose6849]

Incredible 🙏 would you use this same principle when "teaching" a horse something - say they're learning how to halter for the first time? Say you brought the halter near them and they raised their head slightly - you would step back until they starting coming back to the parasympathetic? Then raise the halter again until they're comfortable?

[@WarwickSchiller]

Yes

[@brionyrose6849]

@@WarwickSchiller awesome thank you 😊

[@stephaniewinter5123]

Lovely lesson Warwick.. I’ll need to watch it several times to take it all in... I love the way you interact with horses, and the delightful way in which they respond ...

[@sallysingerlbk]

Such a valuable tool, much appreciated. So helpful to have someone show you something you never even thought of.

[@randomvielleuse527]

If I can ever get back to being around horses I am so going to watch for these things! I know one anxious and insecure Standardbred gelding I'd love to try this heightened "listening" with. I have a feeling it would help him, and me and our relationship, tremendously. Thank you, Warwick!

[@jennyrenken8451]

I LOVE this video. My horse does not like the noise of my stirrups. I'm trying to listen and respond in a different manner. He is a great trail horse. I've had him a long time. I'm using some of what you are teaching now to help him to relax. The "meditation" is difficult for me I think. I get distracted. Love your methods.

[@susantreibs6593]

When you shared about the mustang, I wonder if it was so uptight, that it could not lay down, or did not lay down much and was sleep deprived, and thus the sleeping for so long, and the cure of the bolting.

[@mdee860]

Yaaaaaay you Warwick!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🐴💖

[@janiene2694]

Having moved my mare of 5 years to new grazing, I've just started your work. She's moved into a herd, so I'm not as important, to the point of hiding behind the herd when I go to catch her sometimes. She had her own paddock with horses all around her in individual grazing we had a good connection with another method where if something was a bit concerning she would go up and investigate while riding of her own accord. She's not feeling safe with me in this new environment. I decided to just spend time in the paddock. I tried the stepping back after going up to her, when she wasn't receptive. She ended up following me. Then I went and filled up the water and other chores ignoring her and working on being present. I thought I need to feed you Maggie. At that point she came over to the tape and sought me out. I have another grazer who is more advanced in your work helping me. So I'm excited to learn more and restablish our bond even stronger.

[@ChipSpencer123]

This is so valuable. Wish I knew it before. Having the time is so important. Thanks

[@dominic9028]

It's very true about horses holding their pee. My horse was anxious about trailers. He would never pee in trailer and would wait until turned loose after trailering to pee. I've worked with the principles that Warwick shows. My Simba now is more relaxed and will pee as soon as he gets out of trailer. Another thing that these principles have done is helped with loading. I always had some difficulty with loading him. I think this is partially due to a loading accident when he was young. He will now walk into a horse trailer just by pointing to open trailer door...

[@guemesferrytrail2380]

I am wondering if the mustang was a lone horse at home. I have a few friends that have lone horses and feel they are stressed. Mr Schiller could you, at some point, would comment on lone horses and how that effects them. Thank you for all your wisdom.

[@bliss5133]

Thanks

[@yoravee]

Interesting. Thanks

[@timo9900]

insightful stuff. as always from Mr Schiller

[@lillythecobxpintaloosa5833]

I'm glad to hear that wen I'm riding out on a hack with my horse hes comfortable coz he always finds a patch of grass and has a wee every time x

[@keithtaylor6069]

I really enjoy your videos

[@melaniefarmer75]

Thank you

[@nakiamiller8322]

So helpful ❤️!!!!!

[@Max-cd8fm]

My little mare spends a lot of time protecting me from other horses, and I’ve always found it to be so adorable from her. She is extremely jealous and will definitely walk right in front of other horses or chase them off if they get near me.

[@1827Beethoven]

I've got a big problem with my welsh cob being bargy, biting and being very grumpy when grooming, tacking up or sometimes just walking past his stable he'll pin his ears. I'd love to see your groundwork and attitude towards a horse that really tries to bite. If he can't bite me sometimes he'll bite himself. He's got cushings disease which he's being treated for, and he's only stabled at night and out during the day. When you tell him off in a cross voice he stops for a second, but whatever has been tried he's never gotten any better. We're obviously doing something that doesn't work, I know it's hard to advice without knowing the individual horse but some tips or a video on this would be fantastic.

[@HeyWatchMeGo]

He has ulcers. Try omeprazole. Honest. Give it at least 2 weeks.

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

You would really want to try and find the right mediation and then start from the basics again. Starting from the basics again you can really pinpoint what in the training had gone wrong and work on it till it's perfect. Getting really good at round pinning, ground work, practicing on tacking up (without riding), etc will really help with braking those habits.

[@epona9166]

In the beginning of this episode you said that it was going to be about how to handle shut down horses. It struck me that that is how you would handle stressed/anxious horses as well. Maybe even more so. I think I understand what you mean by shut down, but maybe I'm not understanding the fundamental difference between how your would approach a shutdown horse vs a nervous horse (that runs away from you, among other things. At least until the nervous horse is over a lot of his anxiety.

[@destinationaddictionsamsar7894]

He has some videos where he works on getting the horses attention with a flag. Teaching them even at a distance he knowdests their signs and when their attention is on you vs not. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apbFi4Fpeq6kpsU Anxious horses are just extremely worried about everything (often they forget about their owners as they're so worried) they are often called hot headed. But with shut down horses it's the opposite they really aren't interested in what happens around them and don't ingage with you or really their environment.

[@LauraAfana]

4/29/24. So what about when they bolt from unexpected motorcycles or bicycles? He's better, but it's difficult for me to stay relaxed when I hear one coming

[@gracel.miller4672]

Can this be done is a paddock and off lead

[@WarwickSchiller]

Most certainly, I do it every time I approach this horse.

[@punkaakee]

You mentioned a book about stress indicators in horses. Do you’re all the name and/or author of that book?

[@lisaelliott8721]

What about yawning? Is that a stress indicator or an indication of stress release? I have a mare that yawns more than I've ever seen a horse yawn. It goes on and on and on. She stretches the jaw and really opens her mouth up. Over and over again. It seems to happen mostly when standing in cross ties, being groomed etc. I'm never quite sure how to interpret it.

[@fetchmour]

its funny about the doing a pee ,,,all my horses including foals come to the gate when i get home and they all do a wee as i drive in the drive

[@melindaleicht4604]

Pretty much every time I go to get my gelding from his corral he goes pee then comes over to me, not sure how to interpret it. Is he stressed when I'm not there? He's at a boarding facility, he seems happy there. He is out 24/7 and in a corral by himself because of a special feed requirements but has horses beside him

[@michaelschulze6545]

interesting