Why Choosing Your Battles is an Indication of Failure!

[@catherinedemick1103]

This is a great video. You do not get the horse soft by being soft. I am in a place right now with my 5 year old, playing a fine line between softening when I need to , and not when Ishould't. Getting there, I feel improvement every day but have to keep reminding myself of when is the right time to do what. Thanks for this, really informative.

[@wildedibles819]

Exactly what I'm trying to learn too Some things I find it's like working with a toddler when it's funny you shouldn't laugh kinda thing😂like my pony in my pocket I have to teach him and me it's not cute and funny 😂 Learning personal space my bubble unless I call you in

[@ltningstrike]

I struggle with this as well. It’s funny after all these years with horses, I still feel like I know nothing, especially when I’m on their back. From the ground, I can spot something easily but not astride.

[@barbaratardy9788]

Thank you for this training video emphasizing patience, cause and effect, and skill. I appreciate you not candy coating the sessions, these are real issues that need to be addressed. I continue to learn so much Tim.

[@ltningstrike]

The Tim you see on camera is the same Tim off camera. He’s real in every aspect.

[@mariem4614]

Great video. A good reminder not to avoid the bad behavior but to work through it. Also that you told us that the pawing was really just her frustration that she wasnt getting her way. Thank you

[@szamanwlkp]

Fantastic horsemanship. Thank you. Regards from Poland. 😊

[@randieraye4359]

I loved that, " Are you broke?" 😂

[@ltningstrike]

She said not today lol.

[@peterneilsen6249]

Good morning guys. i like the way you do not cut out the the things the horse dont want to do, Great horseman ship. Thanks for video Tim.😂

[@carolynstewart8465]

Great demonstration of destracted horse behavior and how to deal with it. You are consistent, patient and gentle teaching her to focus! Thank you!

[@EMT-B1]

Another great training session for the horse and those of us who are watching. Your explanations of ‘why’ is making better horsemen of those watching you. Thank you!

[@nadinehulbig5582]

What a great video showing what a bad / stubborn day this lovely lady had 😂 this is so good to see since we all have these days once in a while 😊👍

[@ltningstrike]

He videos the good and the bad. I, for one, really appreciate that. It’s not always pretty but it’s definitely real

[@JuanitaThompson-cm5tq]

A good point made I had not thought about- “queing up and standing at the mounting block” are two different lessons. Another little detail that’s so important that I pick up by watching seasoned trainers work at their craft. Thanks❤

[@vanessaostkotte5200]

This video was super helpful for me, thanks a lot, Tim! My 4yo QH is in a phase where his mind isn't really on me, he's constantly pulling towards the exit of the arena, shaking his head, getting stiff and starts bucking when he doesn't get his way. My trainer told me the same thing, starting by pulling his head towards me right after mounting until his mind is on me. That already made a big difference for us! Thanks for your awesome content, I really learn a lot just from watching and reflecting!

[@MaryDomanski]

Great lesson in patience, calmness, and proper attitude in handling an issue.

[@BrendaleOrr]

She is beautiful. I love your patience and giving her a chance to make the right choice. She looks tall. Do you know how many hands she is?

[@littlebrookreader949]

So well done. I learn something every time I watch. Thanks!

[@lindaj5492]

Liking how you sneak in word-play to the on-screen commentary 😉

[@janeancel5085]

choose your lesson plan wisely and be able/willing to adapt on the fly. Great lesson, Tim

[@hhlagen]

My horse cues up to the block but won’t stand. Going to do this tomorrow. I was talking to a friend on the phone at about the time you were posting this video. I was approaching it all wrong. Thanks for this video.

[@PiggyLong-zz6uw]

Learning a lot about patience from video!

[@xhaltsalute]

You break down things so well, in ways I never thought of. Thanks.

[@MarkandSueSiemonsma]

"There's always going to be something!" AMEN!

[@lars1480]

The horse is teaching you to move mounting Block around Well 😊 smart horse

[@taybarrett2893]

"You can't train a horse but you can outlast em" -Pat Puckett (he may have heard it from someone else) 😄

[@ltningstrike]

I think that is an original “Pat-ism”. 👍🏻

[@silky2204]

My Tenn Walker was like that. It took several times at the mounting block overamonthand then she accepted the mounting block. She even scooted he rbody closer to the mounting block without me training her. Wonderful hore.

[@catherinedoherty2025]

Learning so much. Your horse and I both today. Repetition.

[@cinm9565]

I love your analogies❤

[@hotmessequines]

Yes!!! Address the WHY you fix the WHAT ❤ that's going up in big letter on the board in my barn. Love your videos!

[@tracyjohnson5023]

Most any horse will get ranchy when they're up eating well for a day or two for sure! Definitely took longer for her to stand still due to her being fresh

[@brigittegeorg]

Loved watching this, thank you.

[@Jaydee215]

You mentioned the rooting. I would be interested to see how you get a horse to stop doing that. My QH (new to me 3 months ago) has this problem. Maybe sometime you could address it? Thanks Tim, great video!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes I have addressed that in other videos. The rooting is just a symptom. It will go away when I address the problem which is willingness.

[@hotmessequines]

​@@timandersonhorsetrainingperfect advice! You are a gem 💎 thank you for sharing such great advice and wisdom.

[@normajanderson7304]

I really enjoy listening to you while you are working for the attention of this horse. I also like the subtitles.

[@bspencer6356]

We all have bad days. Maybe she’s just having one, too. Beautiful horse, though. (That Arabian is still my favorite looks & action-wise, but I still appreciate this mare).

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

I talked about that in the video.

[@alicepotter8165]

This is teaching me a lot.

[@PONYHEAVEN]

Thrilling content in every way.

[@laurenamrhein6601]

Man Breeze is just gorgeous. I really enjoy her videos.

[@adventureswithrocket1]

I want to get back into riding. You inspire me. It's just so expensive where I'm at. Naperville Illinois. Any tips on how I could save money would be great. It's a passion of mine.

[@ltningstrike]

This is like deja vu ! Kiowa and Breeze are very similar.

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

Training/racing harnesses these days are all synthetic, and they are very light & easy to care for. But boy, I do miss the feel and the weight of well cared for leather gear! 🫤

[@MarkandSueSiemonsma]

I LOVE leather! That smell and feel cannot be duplicated! It also needs love and care just like the horse that wears it. My grandpa used to train harness horses. I learned to ride on Standardbreds. Those were great times!

[@JuliaJulia007]

Miss Breeze showed up for class 😏

[@kathywilliamson1826]

Great video!

[@shelm-b8p]

Standing at the mounting block: Tim, I am a bit confused why the horse is not already trained to stand at the mounting block. When I started my mustang it was just part of my initial training before I even mounted her. Now she stands still most of the time. If she doesn’t stand still than it is just a few steps which I will correct right away. If I don’t correct the standing still right away then she will take it as a sign that she can give me other trouble. So I can’t let it slip. On the other hand, she is very solid in standing still.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

It's a matter of balancing time management with training a product. When you were training your mustang a return on training money spent was not a factor so you could spend all the time you wanted on that step of standing at the mounting block. In my case I have to balance the owner's money with a product to show for it. I also know that not wanting to stand at the mounting block goes away as the worry about being ridden goes away. I chose to spend my training time this way because it is a better return for the owners money. Also this horse has been standing good. Did you miss that she had been in a stall for 2 days because of the weather? How good would yours stand at 30 days training and standing in a stall for 2 days because of 40 degree rainy thunderstorms?

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Are those dapples or spots? I look,Ed through the comments but didn’t see it mentioned.

[@Grandmawhitneysfarm]

I really needed this info thanks ! I’ll try to get to the lives ! That’s awesome

[@lazygardens]

That's a chunky mustang! And very pretty.

[@Sanford63]

She’s going to be a good one, I like this girl.

[@johnjacobs4207]

Every time you tighten up that near rein it will push the hind quarters away from you. You can use the principle of bend to teach bringing the hind quarters back toward you by putting the right rein behind the horn and bending the neck to the right until he moves his hind quarters back towards you. Then you can mount on a slack rein. If he wont stand still just keep bringing those hind quarters back towards you from the ground until he stands still. He needs more work on bending from the ground because he is fighting you every time you try to bend him while mounted.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

NO. Many things wrong with that technique.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Was she not broken? What kind of training is this? Are these the first few times she's been ridden?

[@rebeccarafi]

I'm wondering if she is also reacting to the change in weather, especially air pressure and wind. Of course not an excuse, just admitting that I feel these changes myself, but am aware of why my head and joints feel quirky. Horses aren't capable of self-reflection. You will see your success the next time you work with her!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Yes I'm sure she is but it doesn't matter, she is still expected to behave. Have you read my article about muddying the water. If not you should read it.

[@rebeccarafi]

Muddying the water? Please explain!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Have you never heard that expression? Making a situation unnecessarily complicated or less clear.

[@rebeccarafi]

@@timandersonhorsetraining aha. Thank you. Now the context is clearer.

[@ponyexpress5687]

I have a question. At about the 11:56 mark I noticed she was standing with her right hind hoof cocked slightly. I wouldn't think it was because she was relaxed although she looks pretty relaxed and she's looking away into the distance. Did that foot have any significant meaning? Like was she standing like that to be ready to walk off ( although she stepped backwards). I don't know if this is a good question but I wanted to ask. Thanks!

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

You have to look at the whole picture to get the totality of the intent, not just the foot.

[@ponyexpress5687]

​@@timandersonhorsetrainingThanks for taking time to answer my question. I was thinking her foot position was no big deal but I was wondering if it could be saying something similar to how when a horse takes one step into the handler's direction it's testing the boundaries. Thanks again not only for the calm quiet patience you have for horses but thanks for being patient with novices like me ❤

[@francoisecrispin5846]

How do you learn about the « why »?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Lots of discussions with other trainers

[@weaveandwobble]

What do you mean by a mustang being harder mouthed than a quarter horse?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Exactly what I said. Mustangs typically have harder mouths than QH's.

[@ltningstrike]

My Mustang had the same problem. He’s a lot harder mouthed than my QH. It’s like power steering vs. no power steering.

[@marilynbridges8697]

@@ltningstrike As opposed to an Arab, who typically is very soft mouthed unless they have been 'taught' to fight you.

[@catherinedemick1103]

Also maybe some have thicker, shorter necks which makes it harder to flex, like a draft, so does not soften in the face/mouth

[@ltningstrike]

@@marilynbridges8697 I’ve never seen a hard mouthed Arab. They’re always light as a feather and very sensitive

[@debraclogston9379]

What do you do when You have a bad day?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Good question. With my health issues that sometimes is the case. I only ride certain ones on those days.

[@rebeccarafi]

The difference between us as people having bad days is that we are aware of it. The art is granting ourselves the same wise patience we would offer the horse.

[@lars1480]

Looks like you forgot to teach The horse to give to pressure from The Ground - just saying it’s not very Pleasant to look at constant fight

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Like I said in the video, she gives to pressure very good when she wants to. Ground work will not fix this.

[@trevinize]

Useing loose sidereins helps when lungeing. Try it.

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

Definitely not. Bad idea.

[@trevinize]

For you! for me is very usefull!@@timandersonhorsetraining

[@trevinize]

Dont know, its ok!

[@lindachicette8354]

You did long line the bit right?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

No I did not, I talked about that in the video.

[@lindachicette8354]

Cute trot, what is breed?

[@timandersonhorsetraining]

BLM Mustang

[@lindachicette8354]

Oops mustang I forgot

[@MarkDemarest]

*wood? 🧐

[@shy_pilgrim]

Wood instead of would

[@yessabell1707]

❤❤❤

[@chimera7521]

What breed is she?

[@wildedibles819]

Pretty and egar to learn 💞

[@seneynah]

Glad to know this pig rooting and rubbing you off on walls and trees is a BLM thang 😂 my Mustang has both those horrible habits, and if I had only known the technique of ramming them into the object they’re trying to rub you off on man I should’ve done that! How many trees he bashed me into. Is this just the Mustangs way of trying to get you off their back? You said you need to know the why to train. But I didn’t hear what the horse’s reason for bashing you against the wall. I’ve moved onto an Arabian because I just can’t handle the mustang hard mouth now I ride a super soft and light lil thang only the opposite. He’s super sensitive and light which I absolutely love that his behavior what is now frustrating me instead of rubbing me off on things, with him, when he’s done and thinks he’s ready to go home or we’re just finishing up or on our way home and he knows that he will go into this complete spaz rocket spook bolt. I’m assuming it’s a barn sour type of behavior, but I don’t know how to discipline it because he acts as if he’s afraid and I don’t really wanna punish him for being afraid. I just not quite sure how to nip that in the bud. I know how to stop him in the moment and then we can go back to working. I just want him to quit doing it all together.

[@albatraozgirl]

Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship does videos showing how to fix this. They have to associate the barn (or their buddies) with hard work and being away from the barn with rest. He goes into it and shows how it's done. It's a common problem.

[@karenlazenby6440]

So your saying, if pain compliance is quicker, do it? I SEVERLY disagree !! I think you're a fantastic horseman, but a bit is NEVER necessary. I took my 2 off any bit, ride in a bosal and they ride, behave, respond WAY BETTER! Because there is understanding, not pain and fear. I wish horsepeople wouldn't push merch.

[@PONYHEAVEN]

This is g r e a t stuff.

[@lars1480]

The horse is teaching you to move mounting Block around Well 😊 smart horse

[@ltningstrike]

He moves the block to the horse on purpose. He does this with every horse. He has a reason for it.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

She will get it. This is early