The Secret to Achieving a Soft Horse

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Let me know in a comment if your horse goes softly for you. I would love to hear. 😊

[@katemaree5826]

If they are not soft, does it take a lot to change?

[@BasicHorseTraining]

That may depend on how experienced you are in your body language and noticing your horses. It also matters how long the horses had worked with people who weren’t aware of the subtleties of communication. I can tell you that if you don’t try neither of you will get any better. I had to practice for a long time before I (me not the horse) got the hang of it. 😊.

[@katemaree5826]

@@BasicHorseTraining thank you so much for your time in replying. I will definitely be trying to improve in this area. This was a great video. Thank you so much 💐💐

[@dedeemilnes5920]

Love all of this ❤ Horse so quite and confident

[@BasicHorseTraining]

She is such a beautiful girl and tries her hardest 🥰

[@marybabler788]

I love that your horse is wearing boots. That is so much better than shoes. Good for you

[@emilycorwith1119]

Just starting groundwork with a horse I am leasing. This is super helpful. Thank you!

[@joannam9232]

I just realized with my gelding that I was giving too strong aides because I thought I was being more clear. Now I remember that it's about waiting, not yelling

[@melancollie9597]

Lovely.❤

[@nikkihaddaway3160]

Thank you Josie. I'd love to see a video from you on dealing with a pushy horse with no sense of personal space.

[@sandrat3690]

Hi, thank you for this remarkable demonstration ❤

[@BasicHorseTraining]

You are so welcome!

[@Rhona-m1r]

Hi, josie, you make so much sense. 😊 👍 ❤️

[@BasicHorseTraining]

I'm so glad!

[@joshepherd9095]

Very good. I have just changed my approach to a three-year-old brumby gelding that I'm starting. He has more whoa than go and even though he stops all the time, I'm not going to push any more because we're just not getting anywhere. I'm breaking it down; asking, waiting patiently and rewarding him when he makes the slightest move.

[@miamancini5774]

I just love the way you are with your horses!❤

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Thank you! 😊

[@Windsongwoodshop]

Our adopted wild burro has helped me be so much softer with the riding horses. He was untouched and off the desert range. He is not stubborn but he really likes to have a long think about everything. So, I ask him to do something, softly hold the aid, then count to myself. He takes to a count of 10 or 60. Then he complies. Started counting with my horses. At first, it took to a count of 10, now it is a 2 or 4. The counting helps me be patient while waiting for them to process and think. Plus, it helps me see tangible improvements. I include that Burro as one of my best teachers. I love all your videos, you are very generous to share your skills and insights with us. Thank you, and my equines thank you, too!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

It sounds like he has an amazing teacher 😊. Thak you for being patient with him and also with yourself 🥰

[@CH-in8dm]

Excellent explanation. Thankyou for making this available

[@helengauperaa4319]

This was really useful. I'm not subtle enough in the use of my own body, understanding of my energy, nor understanding of the horse's energy either. I guess I end up shouting at them, a bit like shouting at someone in a foreign language when neither of you understand the other (and I wouldn't do that to a person so why to a horse?!). Thanks for this Josie, this is really helpful!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

We all need to remind ourselves not to "yell". Especially when the horse is not understanding us. We also need to remind ourself to watch for the slightest cue that the horse is trying to do wha we want. Practice makes us all better. 😊

[@helengauperaa4319]

@@BasicHorseTraining Thanks for your reply Josie, it was just what I needed!

[@feyan1377]

This is a great explanation on an important topic, thank you! My question is, how do you start introducing to a young horse like the first one, to be able to differentiate when you may have high energy, big or fast movements but not targeted to her, to not react to it? I may be wrong, but seeing that little jump from the young horse got me thinking that the horse may not be calm if children are being loud, or if you move fast for a different reason, or if a sudden situation comes up on a trail ride.

[@sarahmedeiros1473]

I learn something every time I watch you. I have a little surrendered mare. She is 22 and a bit shut down. I’m going to try this. ❤️ thank you

[@BasicHorseTraining]

When you start with her you might need to reward just an eyeblink - something that says she has noticed you even though she hasn't moved. She will need to now that you have seen her "try". Let me know how you go.

[@annettemcnabb3033]

Hi Josie, do you have a coffee fund linq? I can't find it

[@Eatempathy]

Mine does not go softly because I don't know what I am doing with my body. I want mine to go off of just my energy but understanding my energy and how to use it is where I am at. I look at my horse for feedback because her communication tells me where I am messing up. Do you know a good book that explains energy and how to use it?

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Hello, I don't sorry. I taught myself by trial and error (poor horses lol). I do teach it in BHT Academy as part of the course that is inside.

[@gracjanpasik225]

hi Josie do you have any tips for a horse that goes crazy when out on track but is lazy on area? when searching youtube I can only find western-based videos

[@mjshankel5851]

Thanks!

[@BasicHorseTraining]

Oh my gosh. Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@annettemcnabb3033]

HI, i wanted to do the same, how did you do this? i hope you don't mind me asking?

[@mjshankel5851]

@@annettemcnabb3033 pop up button just to the right of the ‘like’ thumbs up button.