Why gentle horse training beats high pressure everytime

If you are interested in joining me on my online course which is aimed at people who have a problem they can't solve with their horse or want to learn a way of training where the horse has as much out of the training as the trainer does or wants to start their young horse but doesn't know how to begin then sign up on my website and I will get back to you.
💕🐎💕 conniecolfox.com/ 🐎💕🐎
Many people in the horse world aren't aware of the way horses learn the most efficiently. Here is a sequence of training a horse who couldn't be caught because he would try and bit or kick the human.
The biggest horse training tip I could give anyone is try and keep your horse in a calm state when training. Even if they do something you really don't like.
To have a really lovely connection with a horse they have to feel safe and if everytime they do something undesireable you reprimand them then they are going to be confused and worried and that won't help them feel gentle.
If you only correct a horses behaviour and not address their feelings then you might have a horse that hides his feelings and then does something unexpected and you are more likely to get injured. As a horse trainer of over 35 years I have made more mistakes than most but I want to share what I have learnt.

[@wendymckay5216]

'A bit of a muddle' says it all. No dramatisation of mixed up behaviours in you gave the horse such an opportunity. Thank you, a joy to watch.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you wendy, I really appriecate your comment💕🐎🍃

[@mdee860]

What a "poor baby & and his message is definitely NOT working on you." Exactly so - he wants to get rid of you. Still, NOT a mean horse. If he was, you wouldn't have been blessed to make this video. Work your magic!

[@christianlutes5593]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I have had horses for 54 years and have trained my own and friends horses alike. I have never seen an approach like yours and am truly impressed. Working with and training horses is a constant evolution and you have given your audience new tools to be successful, thank you.

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Christian, Thank you so much for your comment. I am hoping to show people who haven't seen this sort of training new ideas to help them solve any issues they might have with their horses. 💕🐎🍃

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

See Steve Young horsemanship ❤

[@myyounghorses]

@@Stardust_Truth_Seeker He's very good doing what he does. This is plugging into different emotions in a horse

[@username201097]

I love how horse training is evolving. The horse thrives in freedom so allowing the horse to choose to work with the trainer delivers real and consistent results. The best part is the horse’s character remains intact. You get to see who your horse is and their natural skill set because each has different talents and ability

[@myyounghorses]

You've hit the nail on the head 💕

[@sidilicious11]

Well said!

[@vancouverislandandthething3945]

With the gift you have don't apologize for promoting yourself. You're brilliant with these horses. And to see him more settled and not living in stress is a gift in itself. Good luck! Keep promoting the heck out of yourself.❤❤❤

[@myyounghorses]

Ive just got back from Vancouver Island seeing a friend near Duncan Such a beautiful place

[@vancouverislandandthething3945]

@@myyounghorses My 94 year old Dad is down there today on his care home excursion bus. Small world. I'm further up the island. Where are you, generally speaking. No worries if you'd rather not say:)

[@myyounghorses]

@@vancouverislandandthething3945 i am in Dorset England

[@user-yw5gx5bf2b]

You are such a calm soul that's what the horse knows and can sense that good job though very good

[@myyounghorses]

thank you for watching the video, I am really happy you enjoyed it 💕🐎🍃🌺

[@nicschu456]

Absolutely agree. Better horse training needs to get more attention. Loved this! Greetings from Germany

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks Nic. I'll try and keep them coming

[@Bizzylizzy85]

I was very skeptical at first when you didn’t ‘correct’ his aggressiveness towards you and you seemed to back down and let him move your feet but …well I’ll eat my hat!… this was a joy to watch, excellent training and horsemanship Connie keep making the videos ❤

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Elizabeth I really apprieciate your comment and that really helps me as its good to know what people are thinking when they watch the video. For me its all about letting the horse feel safe. If he feels safe the most of the neg behaviours will disappear so there is less work for me to do Many thanks 🐴🏇🍰💗

[@xXnashitaXx]

Nice work, very impressive. This horse looks so young how can it already be this aggressive to humans? Poor thing. Thank you for giving him this opportunity!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your kind comment. yes he is young but hopefully he will have a good future now

[@jackihoneybourne7590]

Oh Connie, this whole video was incredibly touching, so many moments here of how Neville was 6 years ago….. fascinating to watch, it’s taken me years to achieve what you’ve done here. I’m in absolute awe of your quiet gentle but oh so sensible ways.

[@myyounghorses]

I think Neville is an inspiration to many and you show your level of understanding is very high. 💕

[@tamaraeverett4856]

I’ve never been around horses and I don’t know much about them, but this was absolutely wonderful to watch. Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s fantastic!

[@myyounghorses]

thanks for watching 💕🐎🍃

[@lisakeefe8273]

I haven’t been around horses in so long I really enjoy watching training videos. I’ve seen some nightmare trainers who hit the horse they are training. You stay calm and don’t raise your voice. It was such a pleasure watching you.

[@myyounghorses]

thanks so much 🐎💕🐎

[@Bekkocho]

This is the first time I've seen your channel, and I have to say I'm so impressed by your training methods. You recognized his aggression towards food, and his behavior was due to the humans teaching him he could tell them to "back off" but your method was calm, and full of positive reinforcement - you did use food when appropriate, and all the while still thinking of how best to protect yourself! It's quite incredible! Seeing him happy at the end of the video is remarkable, because at the end of the day it's to help *him* be happier about life - he was unsettled, stressed, and uncomfortable with life, but now he feels safer and it's thanks to your patience and kindness. I have subscribed and I'm looking forward to seeing more ❤

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much for your comment. I am hoping to do more videos. It is not often I have good before and after videos as when a horse comes to me I want to keep them in a state of calm so they don't show their uncomfortable behaviour very often but with this guy, it didn't take much to unsettle him and he had to learn that he couldn't use it to get what he wanted. I hope you enjoy the ones to come 💕

[@ashrafahmedsaleh]

Beautiful video. I was shocked at the similarities. My horse, also black with socks but a mare, was aggressive initially. Being new to horses, her scared lunges and attacks confused me. Wish I'd seen this video earlier. I'll watch it again. Simply beautiful. It's almost like your voiceover is reading out loud what's on my mind. Amazing sync 😊

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment. I hope it helps with your horse.

[@SadieLombardi-fd8uv]

Connie, its beautiful to watch you work with this horse. You appear to have mastered your training skills as well as decision-making and your own self-regulation. Not easy to stay calm when presented with these behaviors! I commend you and will be using this video to teach my students with because I think it is such a good example as comparison to traditional methods. I also use a combination of R- and R+ and find it allows me to use far less pressure and keep the horse more engaged and motivated. Nice work and thank you for sharing it!!!

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Sadie Thank you so much for your comment. I was really hoping this was going to help debunk the myth that positive reinforcement makes horses rude and nippy. I am so pleased it will help you teach your students

[@Ceretrea]

Fantastic! So different to some stranger invading their space waving flags about. I'm so tired of seeing a shut down horse portrayed as 'tamed'. This here is real bonding, trust building first followed by training. So glad I found your videos

[@myyounghorses]

So glad there are people like you who understand the change I am aiiming for. I am surprised how little there is on youtube training horses this way. It is so much easier for the horse and the trainer, and like you say the results are so different to the flooding techniques often used.

[@Ceretrea]

@@myyounghorses I guess its similar to dog training, so much 'quick fix' and dominance advice on here and not enough the other way. Sad really, you can have a much better relationship with your animal when you develop that bond of trust. Thank you for sharing your method

[@cathysellers4236]

What an amazing human! I wish I had raised my children the way she commits to horses. Thank you for the perspective!

[@WesleyReinholt]

You are so inspiring! Thank you for showing your creative process with your training. You really do help change how horses feel about life with humans.

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Wesley. thank you very much for watching. Its difficult to get it into words but hopefully with practise I will improve. Thank you for your support 🐎💕🐎

[@DianaHogg-hi7zo]

Fabulous to watch this. Fascinating work. Super result.

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks Diana 🐎💕🐎

[@paularicciuto6985]

Loved watching this video! Your respect and listening to the horses body language and how they are talking to you is amazing to watch! Many horses like this beauty would have found themselves at an auction and not had been a good outcome sadly😢… I’m so happy his owners gave him the chance he so deserved ❤

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Paula Thank you very much for your comment 🐎💕🐎

[@sidilicious11]

I just love what you did with him. I’m so impressed. This current horse I have was a similarly aggressive foal who:s now 10. You shortcutted what took me years to figure out. I’m a new subscriber, a fellow clicker trainer, and a new fan!

[@myyounghorses]

So glad you got him right I bet you learned loads in the process. I am looking forward to doing more videos to give ideas to people with their training

[@sidilicious11]

@@myyounghorses I think you have so much to show people. I’m glad you will be putting out more vids. I am gobbling up the ones you have out now. Yum, yum!🐴🐴Thank you!

[@hannahb950]

Brilliant! The instructions are phenomenal esp seeing unwanted behaviour and, crucially, not getting it correct and showing how to reintroduce the good behaviour.

[@myyounghorses]

Really appreciate your comment, some people aren't yet aware of this approach and I would like to get it out there💕🐎💕

[@retiredcatlady]

There he follows you. Amazing

[@blackshards3415]

What a beautiful communication! This is real horsemanship. You know horse psychology and body language, but combined with consequence, patience and kindness. I wonder how old this horse is. Looks like two years to me. I have big respect towards people like you. Thank you for helping that beautiful horse.

[@myyounghorses]

thank yoiu very much for your kind words. Yes, a 2 year old 💕🐎💕

[@Geoff-ExHorseMan]

A Connie Classic, Thanks!

[@user-eu8fc3sy7j]

The best horse training techniques I have ever seen....thank you

[@myyounghorses]

Wow, thank you!💕🐎💕

[@cat-myowa]

I really loved this video. I’m new to your channel and I thought you were big. The 2k subscribers shocked me, you truly deserve much more viewers. I’ve learned much from the few videos I’ve watched, and I’m incredibly impressed by you and your calm soul. I am just getting into positive reinforcement and I truly aspire to be like you. Wishing you the best of luck with your business. You’re doing a great job.

[@myyounghorses]

I am so glad you are getting in to positive reinforment you will have so much fun. Its the training that makes me calm because I finally realised later in my life its not about me its about the horse and if I keep level it is so much easier for him to relax and then learn and then we are all happy

[@treaclelester7285]

You can’t beat herby nuts and just being nice to them. They soon understand what you’re asking. Lovely to watch you.

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks so much 🐎💕🐎

[@princesswithashotgun2488]

This is remarkable!! I've always loved the idea of more relationship-based training, it's been many years since I've worked with horses but I look forward to watching more of your videos and learning more about your methods! ❤

[@myyounghorses]

thanks v much

[@CosmicScouts]

I LOVE this way of training. Associating the touches with something positive was nice. I love the way you considered his feelings. Very nice

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks very much for the comment so great that people really get what I am trying to do/.

[@user-ot1sc2me4f]

This is truly amazing training. you explain so well how and why you do certain actions during training and it is very informative. such an impressive progression with this horse. proud of you both!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you very much 💕🐎💕

[@nivsoi]

Oh so lovely! What an amazing way to work with a horse, so humble and honest. The type of feeling I’ll always strive for with my equine companions.

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks so much for your comment. `i really hope it helped in some way

[@gladeseason3462]

This is awesome. I’ve always had a love for horses but it’s only fairly recently I’ve really put effort into really learning about them and their behaviour. This was a really good watch and your commentary was really educational :). Thanks very much for sharing.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much for your comment and I am glad if this helped you🐎💕

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I enjoyed and respected this so much Connie!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much 🐎💕🐎

[@pippilangstrumpf4329]

Great work. Thank You.

[@myyounghorses]

thanks for commenting 💕🐎💕

[@Lynne2106]

You are such a good model and teacher. Your voice over method is very effective and clear.

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks so much Lynne, I do struggle with the voice over I am hoping with practise I'll get better

[@nikkihaddaway3160]

Thank you from someone learning horse behavior and training. This is fantastic.

[@myyounghorses]

Really glad it helps 💕🐎

[@susanohrstrom6120]

Wonderful! Thank you.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for commenting 💕🐎💕

[@cccampbell5095]

You’re amazing! Thank you! ❤

[@myyounghorses]

thank you very much but I reallly just follow a process to help the horse change the way he feels about me so the training becomes much easier. Really appriectate your comment though

[@orenishilewis2695]

Wonderful video; thank so much for your time

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you very much for taking the time to comment 💕🐎💕

[@piggylover4808]

That was fantastic - what a great way of training! Nothing physical just give and take....you've earned his respect and watching from the beginning that's quite a feat - congratulations on a job well done!!!

[@myyounghorses]

I really apprieciate you taking the time to comment.

[@eclecticinspiration5064]

It's my first time on your channel Connie and what you did and what I'm watching and witnessing is so precious and beautiful and really Priceless your demeanor is absolutely stunning

[@myyounghorses]

That's such a lovely comment. Thank. you,

[@mintywatkins7659]

Iv had ponies all my life and this approach is fantastic and what a lot of us have been doing in the normal everyday, such a pity that people/owners expect results without the hard work and continuity.. Really enjoyed this vid.. Many thanks.. ❤

[@myyounghorses]

thanks for your comment. I think alot of people who own horses for pleasure do handle their horses in a similar vein to this. As a professional horse trainer it is easy to slip down the quick fix route (which is often quite adversive) to keep owners happy as it keeps the costs down. I have changed my approach and hence tend to get the sort of owners who really care about the process the horse goes through to get the finished result. Which is lucky for me as I just don't want to flood horses and use the sort of pressure I used 20 years ago

[@Spendarellaa]

Fascinating thanks for sharing.

[@myyounghorses]

Glad you enjoyed it💕🐎💕

[@charchar281]

Really enjoyed watching this.

[@myyounghorses]

Glad you enjoyed it char char 💕

[@mm5478]

I don’t know the first thing abt horses but I know a gifted animal trainer when I see one. Very well done.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you very much.💕🐎💕

[@Tam-Solo70]

Subscribed. I love your approach to this!

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Tam Thank you so much for subscribing 🍃💕🐎

[@angelitamuniz6575]

Thank you for your work and sharing… I pray for my next forever horse. My mare of 25 years passed away, 5 years back and 8m now ready to move on!

[@myyounghorses]

I am glad you are feeling ready for another horse but how wonderful to have had a horse for 25 years you must have had a lovely bond💕

[@Kelly_Ben]

This was such a unique take! No moving feet, which, depending on circumstances, I sometimes worry might be adding energy to an already highly charged situation. I love your ethos about learning and trying new things. Subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Kelly Tnank you so much for subscribing. You totally get it. I want to discharge the anxiety so the horse has a clear head and is wanting to solve the puzzle, "how did I recieve that reward?'" Then I am plugging in to the horses brain and not just ordering them around. I am going to try and keep them coming 💕🐎🍃

[@Dust_A_Babygirl]

Thanks for sharing video like this horse 🐎 ❤training lesson. It so amazing done ❤

[@myyounghorses]

You are so kind 💕🐎💕

[@oneofamillion4951]

Love this. We need more of this mindset. Thank you for sharing. I subscribed.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank so much for subscribing 💕

[@elizabethkiener9220]

Have just come across your channel & subscribed immediately - really loved what I saw, most impressive training, looking forward to seeing more. Thanks a lot for sharing 🙏.

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Elizabeth Thank you very much for subscribing, I am hoping to post more 💕

[@nickys855]

Awww get well soon ♥luv' your video thank you.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank. you 🐎💕🐎

[@udolaufenberg9281]

Such a gentle great work, regards from Germany

[@myyounghorses]

Lovely to reach you in Germany. Thank you 🐎💕

[@metalkingtohorses]

one other comment, its nice you take the time and give him what he needs but still keep yourself safe in the process, ive made some huge acheivements with my mare that only i who has trained her will really understand you know a short video doesnt really tell others the entire long and amazing process we go through to acheive awesomeness but i get it cuz i have seen with my own mare and an actual trainer couldnt handle her so im proud of the fact that i can walk her on a loose lead line and she doesnt explode and try to race off on 2 feet, its only taken me every day for 3 years haha

[@myyounghorses]

That is a wonderful result, how lovely

[@Jenn_MHEquestrian]

This is fantastic.

[@myyounghorses]

thanks for commenting🐎💕🐎

[@belogical3961]

I like the way you train!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you

[@vickib6861]

That was awesome!

[@myyounghorses]

💕🐎💕

[@kitty16vcat11]

Just subscribed! First time I’ve come across your channel. Don’t know much about horses, I ride for leisure, I love these amazing creatures so much along with donkeys. 😊 I watch a lot of male horse trainers, but I find your approach really soft and gentle, not dissing any other trainers, as everyone has their own method. What I do like about you is your patience and adaptability. Like you said how you treat your children is how you treat the animals. I have the same approach with my pets, have always paid attention to their body language and if they didn’t like something then I’d back off, but at the same time teach them what is right, again like you would with your children - be firm but be fair, goes in hand with pressure and release. When there’s good leadership you’ll find a balanced attitude be it human or animal. Sending you much blessings in your projects ahead , looking forward to them! ❤

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Kitty thank you so much for your comment. I have only just started to try and post my training properly. I would love to get like minded people together to show that you can use gentle training to get good results. I do use negative reinforcement and pressure but my inital thoughts are do they feel safe, do they understand and are they motivated. Some times the motivation is lacking and I might need to add pressure to get what is needed whilst being aware of where the horses thresholds are. I don't always get it right I probs never get it right with my children but that is the goal All the best 💕

[@Richlove_tostay]

Time and patience

[@louisejackson8595]

Wonderful work. He’s beautiful. The big horse by the trailer looks like my Clydesdale. 😊❤

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Louise Thank you so much for your comment. The horse by the trailer was a cob, she might have some Clydesdale in her somewhere but she is quite small 14.2hh but I think looked bigger because of the angle of the camara💕🐎🍃

[@user-wn5ow9fp6i]

Such great work. Your work is amazing❤ Janicr

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much 😀🐎💕⭐️

[@philipcolfox9403]

Really good fun

[@samanthalightworker7955]

Very good video. People need to see how this philosophy works. Taking the time it takes with a horse will actually cut the time in the long run, and 99% of the time results in the best outcome and best relationships between horse and human. You did an amazing job with this poor horse! The key is to think like a horse, with patience, patience, patience. Good job! 💜🐴

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Samantha Thank you for your comment 💕🐎🍃

[@claregilbert2481]

Brilliant video thank you fitst time watching my pony is rather similar can be aggressive sometimes and bulsy and pushy love your calm approach and i know how frustrating and angry i can feel when mine does this im sure he feels it im going to adopt your approach and take my time rather than feel rushed and push him to my way of thinking too quickly thank you it was great and i look forward to your next video 😊

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy my other videos

[@liesbethdelcon2008]

Very nice video! I have a little mare with almost the same behaviour. She was more afraid of me and when I approached she had a flight or fight reaction. With positive reinforcement we came a long way.

[@myyounghorses]

So great to hear. If used correctly it works so well, and the horse feels so positively about you 💕

[@myhappygecko2895]

Love it so much

[@myyounghorses]

💕🐎🍃

[@egeegee7146]

We do need to work with pressure release as this is how a horse works so please don't apologise. It is just that we need the right pressure and the right release at the right time. So good to see this guy become way more relaxed and happy to be around humans.

[@myyounghorses]

thanks for you comment. i` totally agree. I suppose its about thresholds so much to say in the videos and I miss a lot out but hopefully ill get better. My next video about to up load is on. thresholds which I think is important

[@bradmelissahickling9598]

This was amazing and so much help to me. I have an 18mth old Arab filly I bred and she has been dominant and defensive since she was 2 days old. She has me bluffed at the moment as she always turns her bum to me and either pretends or does kick out at me. I am hoping that by using some of the approaches you have shown above, I can re program her defensive behavior to comfortable behavior, and in turn, learn that I am not there to confront or annoy her. Thanks very much.

[@myyounghorses]

So pleased it helped. Do contact me if you have any further questions [e-mail].

[@chloebailey7036]

I have been following you since I heard you on a podcast. Really loved your experience, ethos, quest for knowledge and humbleness. This horse was lucky to come to you. As a woman with children I can really appreciate the way you train. Smart and empathetic and not just gung-ho and over powering which not everyone can do in a sustainble or authentic way. Plus the horse will remember. I feel like training that is coercion based has to be constantly reinforced a lot more. Wow, there are a lot of keyboard warriors on here! 😂 Please have thick skin (you seem like you do). Please keep sharing, the world needs more trainers like you ❤.

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I totally agree with you re coercion, if we can allow horses to feel good about what we want them to do, its so lovely for us to be experiencing the interaction, and so much easier for the horses. A win win in my mind💕

[@GalerneJeanneley]

Really Nice job

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you

[@maggiefranks6849]

I like your approach. Less pressure is a good thing _most_ of the time. Decompression can go a long way too when dealing with horses, any animal really, with emotional issues. I'm in Arizona so, I do not envy your weather (although in the summer, it's HOT). Weather effects the best of us. If it is windy or rainy I can wait a few days to do *anything* lol One thing your vid made me think of is, 'clicker' reward-based training. *Positive conditioning? Anyway, to have an actual 'clicker' isn't convenient. There are natural vocal clicks that are, like the 'giddy up' click, a sucking click from the right side of the cheek, for forward movement. Then, the front mouth sound, 'tst' sucking in that is a more 'come to me, or kissing sound and, a negating sound in the lower throat, AH uh when they are being naught. Also, there is no reason to hit a horse or any animal unless they are actively attacking you (or possibly saving them from a dangerous situation) You are doing a great job and I love watching your work ❤

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much for your comment. It has been raining alot this winter and it can get a bit tiresome. I'd love to see Arizona a very different place to here in West Dorset UK. Yes my training is like clicker training but I am a disorganised person and would always lose a clicker. I think horses are super clever they watch our every move so you can mark a behaviour with something a lot less obvious than a clicker. It can be your body language or a sound 🐎💕🐎

[@Suzie_Edits09]

I am very impressed with this! Wonderful work! And a new sub, you did absolutely amazing

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Suzie Thanks so much for the sub. 🐎💕🐎

[@Suzie_Edits09]

@@myyounghorses Np! But I am having some issues with my 8 yo mare, Lacie. She does not like to be touched behind her ears, but she does let you apply pressure on her pole to lower her head. Do you know anything I could do to help?

[@myyounghorses]

have you used any food rewards in her training?

[@myyounghorses]

@@Suzie_Edits09 I start by rewardomg fpr neutral and then go from there. if you go to www.conniecolfox.com you can apply to do my on line course where i take you through the stages to reach your goals💕

[@Suzie_Edits09]

@@myyounghorses Yes I have and tysm for teh advice!

[@user-ug8ss4xl7k]

БРАВО !!! Вы замечательная !

[@myyounghorses]

Благодарю вас за ваши добрые слова

[@riasheart111]

Awsome❤

[@myyounghorses]

🐎💕🐎

[@michelleedwards2207]

Hi Connie, enjoyed your approach to training. The most important point you make is the horse remaining calm as it is only in this state the horse can learn and retain training. This particular looked to me that previous handlers were nervous and imparted that to the horse, hence the horse taking control. Having trained wild horses, I would take care not to leave yourself exposed as external distractions/happenings could cause the horse to react and lash out at nearest target so would recommend maintaining control by using head collar and rope .... Hope the shoulder injury not caused by a horse🙄 Michelle from Oz

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Michelle Thanks for the comment and advice and annoyingly the shoulder problem is an auto immune thing very annoying and frustrating, not an injury. How amazing training wild horses, a very different thing, you must have enormous skill. The reason why I didn't have a head collar was to give him the choice to train with me. I tried to give him the same value of food else where so he isn't just with me for the food. The autonomy of allowing him choice builds confidence a lot quicker in my experience hence no head collar ane lead rope a lot of the time. 💕🐎

[@Tenebrisvis]

God bless you ❤

[@Richlove_tostay]

Time and patience

[@denismelvin222]

Have you ever seen Mr Monty Roberts? He is also brilliant! So gentle!

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Denis, I worked at his farm 30 odd years ago. I do things very differently than him now though but great experience seeing the way different people train. Thanks for your comment

[@l.a.keller]

Wonderful video, thank you @Connie Colfax. I'm always happy to see successful gentle horse trainers. What a beautiful transformation. Can you please share how long/how many sessions it took to accomplish the changes seen in the video? Thank you!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment. I am afraid it wasn't a quick fix. it took about 4 weeks 4 x 10 min sessions per day. But I think really changed his feelings about people so set him up for the future.

[@l.a.keller]

@@myyounghorses Thank you very much for sharing. It's helpful to have a realistic idea of the length of a process. Thank you, again!

[@Cody-zd2ye]

He's got little sod written all over him.but his facial expressions tell you he's had a bad time.hes in the best hands you have a lot of patience .such a lot of new methods now good luck be careful

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much for the comment

[@cerise2206]

Sonderfall to see ❤

[@user-yw5gx5bf2b]

Great job Great patients, I see the horse is giving you respect. How old is the horse?

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment, he is 2 years old

[@treesagreene]

Wonderful to watch. I love how you communicate with this beautiful horse. Had he been mishandled and maltreated by the owners? I’m curious as to why he behaved like this when he came to you. And what happens when he returns to them? Sorry for these questions but it’s puzzling me. Thank you for what you do for these lovely animals.

[@myyounghorses]

The owners were really lovely people and I don't think abused him at all. I think there might have been a misunderstanding when they tried to catch him and they did use food but I think they accidently rewarded the bad behaviour but i think he was quite difficult to catch before hand so I am not sure what went on. I met someone who knew them and said they were very good with their horses. I don't think he was v frightened but i think he knew how to get what he wanted using his neg behaviour.

[@treesagreene]

@@myyounghorses that’s good to know. Thank you for replying.

[@chickpea3092]

Oh, I love how you work with him !! There is lots of very popular trainers I personally find horrible. Do you teach the owners how to be around him better?

[@myyounghorses]

Thanks very much for your comment. I normally will have a few sessions with the owners so they feel confident to take the horses home and I am available for them by phone and video if they need me Sadly i never got to meet this owner but I sent her some footage and have offered to meet her at her yard but i think she has gone traveling I am hoping he has gone out with a mixed herd and just left for a bit to be a horse and then I can catch up with them when they are back.🍃💕🐎

[@chickpea3092]

@@myyounghorses to just be with friends for a while would be so nice for this horse!

[@lizarutherford2477]

Lovely job. I’m interested to know about the *kind friend* who’s there. Is he a support horse for naughty horse?

[@myyounghorses]

yes just to keep him relaxed so there is no seperation anxiety in the mix. I get him happy the trainer in the easiest enviroment possible so the trailer isn't an issue i would then work on the seperation if nec

[@trishbech9082]

❤

[@Richlove_tostay]

Time and patience

[@MegF142857]

First time visitor. Watched entire video. That was an interesting method of training. Curious the background history of this horse. Was it an orphan horse? May have saved that horse's life, as he was definitely behaving dangerously. Horses like that don't usually end up well.

[@myyounghorses]

He was a 2 year old and wasn't and orphan. I am not intirely sure why he was aggressive, the owners where experienced, although I didn't know them I had heard good things about them from the horse transporter.

[@CloverfieldBehaviour]

A very nice positive training. I have sent my career teaching people Operant Conditioning Behaviour Analysis (positive reinforcement training) science based handling of all species. Please continue your good work. Heather A. Logan

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you Heather. What species have you trained? its amazing it has taken so long for the horse world to understand it. A very nice gentleman commented saying I shouldn't be using it with horses only dogs. I think it will become very common soon as it is so effective

[@janeserovy666]

I have used a 4 ft. dowel rod with a rubber tip at the end. I used it to train a completely untrained BLM mustang and domestic horse. This also makes a good tool as an itcher. Which they like. Your bamboo pole looks a little flimsy.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you great idea

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

He is a wild little man, look at his eyes glowing,hope you a holy cross in your pocket!!I don't think bribing him with food is a good idea, he needs to be directed by using your human presence more and not pressured so much, he takes the piss of just how frightened he is, he challanges your just being there.Remember how the leader of his herd would put up with his behaviour, he doesn't seem that frightend to me he just needs to be less aggressive and see that your one human that isn't that bothered by his body language, he'll soon get bored showing off and using so much energy, he's a typical horse that knows how to control people.I will say i am glad he's come to you to sort out the kinks in his armour. Have fun, stay safe, have subbed and liked too!

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment. Yes I agree he isn't as frightened as his behaviour suggested. I am looking for my horses to feel calm and relaxed when around us. I am not looking so much to be their leader, more their team mate. Yes you are also right that I relaxed more when he relaxed. The food was a reward for the behaviour given which i marked with a sound. Have you heard of Pavlov's dog? If you repetitively mark with a sound and feed the sound becomes when the horse salivates. So the feel good hormones will come in when they hear the sound. This enables you to be very accurate with what you are rewarding for. So I might have been rewarding for a little softness before I fed. This will start to increase that behaviour so over time you will shape the behaviour you want which is why by the end he was truly happy being around me. I hope that makes sense.

[@tiinahaasanen4041]

Å​@@myyounghorses

[@PartanBree]

This is amazing. Do you find, when a horse has had ingrained behaviour issues like this, that they can relapse when they're back in their familiar environment, with the owner who may be nervous because of previous problems? How do you deal with that?

[@myyounghorses]

if I have done a thorough job of making him feel comfortable with the human or humans then there will be no need for him to display the behaviour. If he is in a state of stress it is more likely to come through but he would show warning signs first so much easier to gage what is going on. If i had used flooding when you keep the thing that gives the horse distress with the horse until he shows no reaction ie suppresses the way he feels then you take it away. Or. you put him to work every time he does the behaviour you don't like then he might look like he behaves but he will just be suppressiing how he feels as it is dangerous for him to display the behaviours saying he is frightened so in this case he is more likely to come from no where. Horses that seem really quiet then do something really dangerous have often been through this type of training

[@lizarutherford2477]

Out of interest, do you also have a training session with the owners, so you train them to train horsey? And with these horses, does this propensity to resort to these behaviours disappear completely, or do you have to find a work around? Gosh….I’ve got so many questions! I feel pressure per se isn’t *bad*, but it’s when horses don’t understand pressure they struggle. Total respect to you, Connie. I love these narrated videos where you explain your modus operandi. More, please 😊

[@myyounghorses]

I wonder if I wasn't clear in this video. I do train horses to understand pressure so may be my title was misleading. Maybe I was hung up on trying to show people you can get rid of aggressive behaviour with food because it would be where a lot of people would think positive training wouldnt be affective it might even make them worse. Which it can if done badly like any type of training I think I do mention that i use pressure in this one somewhere near the end. My aim is just for a horse to understand and feel comfortable with our aids what ever they are. Which is pressure. leg, hand, lead rope move over etc. It was frustrating as the owner couldn't come and have a lesson with this horse. I think they have gone traveling and haven't got back to me. I don't have any control when they go home but hopefully he now no longer feels the need to resort to the behaviours he was using. I don't think you need to work around the behaviours because he feels good about what we are doing now he doesn't feel the need to use them. If he stayed with us I don't think the behaviour would arise again as he was very sweet and loving to everyone by the end and he actually liked touch it was more the approach that made him a bit mad. if he did become defensive I would cut things back and do a little bit of training on that problem. Hope that answers the questions 🐎💕🐎

[@lizarutherford2477]

@@myyounghorses Thank you xx. I fell for the “don’t let any horse experience any discomfort however mild blah-Dee-blah”. It almost got to the point where I was questioning should I be riding at all. Mills Consilient Horsemanship helped me loads, and we are more balanced now, and my horses are happier. Interesting, my hosses recently took part in a study. It was touching one lit up screen, out of three, and a food reward would result if they got the right screen. Their success rate went stratospheric once a “wrong” signal was introduced, and frustration went down, …especially with my one eyed horse. It’s all feedback right? And the more feedback we can offer, the better…as long as horsey understands. Real shame the owners can’t have the lesson. There’s a cool meme going round atm, about a queue for “buying a horse”. On the counter marked “Riding lessons and practice” there’s no one. “Behaviour is in the environment” is what Dr Susan Friedman says. You know and I know you can have the best trained horse which can sometimes be ruined in the hands of someone who doesn’t *know*…”You told me he could x, y, and z”…Buck Branaman talks about this with people wanting a “push button horse”. Regarding the idea that good training will hold on a horse regardless of who buys it, 'When someone tells me they want a push button horse, I say you might as well buy yourself some fairy dust. You'll bring that horse down to your level in no time'. Hey ho. We’re all learning for sure, but how do you know what you don’t know unless you’re constantly striving to do better. Love your content so much, Connie. Sure, you’re showing us all beautifully,t here’s “another way” xxx

[@JustASleepySloth]

I hope that he comes through this and doesn't have any long-lasting truama, it's so hard to change negative learned behaviours in an adult horse when it's created in a young animal. I feel when they're younger it should be easier to undo some of the negative assosiations but I'm not sure if that is realistic or just depends upon the horse. As you've said this doesn't appear to be fear based but more anger/frustration based. Makes me wonder if he was faffed around with by humans too young and decided humans = annoying/bad. I want to see this horse thrive.

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment. I thnk this guy will be ok. he actually likes being fussed. He's only 2 years old and i think it is skin deep. Obviously how he is handled from now on is important and if not done right then things could go wrong.

[@sarafinasegale9537]

Time, understand,feed, exercise and discipline with Love can cure the Savage beast.....Any time you get a horse who displays aggressive behavior you are dealing with abuse from the previous owner.....

[@loriwest610]

She had to teach him some manners 😊

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you for your comment 🐎💕

[@Krinsta1]

I hear a lot about not hand feeding horses. I trained my first ever horse with the use of food rewards. I had no issues, but I had this horse from when he was 4 months old. I recently had a lease horse that became very pushy with the food rewards. I had to stop these altogether and reward with pats a praise. This horse was nearly 6 years old. I enjoyed the lease horse he was a good horse in every other respect. Do you sometimes have to change your reward from food to something else.

[@myyounghorses]

Hi Krinsta, Your comment is very useful, thank you. Like you highlight each horse is different. When I train with food the first thing I am trying to develop is relaxation around food, some horses i will only use scratches (if he likes them) but where ever possible I want there to be something in it for the horse with each exercise I train. I hope that helps💕🐎💕

[@Krinsta1]

@myyounghorses very much so. I volunteer at Save A Horse Australia on Sundays they have so many different horses, all with their unique personalities. One of the mares called Romance recognised my car last week when I was pulling in the drive she was calling out to me. It was like she was telling me all about her week. She's been on stall rest for a long time. She's busting to get out of her little yard and run around like a crazy thing.

[@user-kf2it6qf7e]

@@Krinsta1 I bet that made your heart sing. I hope she makes a full recovery 💕🐎🍃

[@Krinsta1]

@user-kf2it6qf7e hopefully she will. I'd love to adopt her, but I'm not in the ideal financial position yet.

[@myyounghorses]

@@Krinsta1 good luck 🤞

[@ullavillaume176]

I just stumbled onto you channel, and I have a question I hope you don't mind. but I have watched other trainers work on troublesome horses and some say to never hand feed. I think because if you were the lead horse you would never let another horse take food from you. I dont know if that makes sence. I know there are many different ways of traing. but I was just wondering if all that hand feeding will make trouble later in training. I meen no disrespect , I'm just really wondering what is right and what is wrong?

[@myyounghorses]

Hi thanks so much for your comment it is a really good question. Like any training, yes, you can cause probelms using food like you can cause problems putting excessive pressure on a horses. food is a primary motivator in any species they need to to survive so if used well it is a fantastic resource to use. When a horse eats he will have feel good hormones go around his body so he will feel content. This horse was far from content so i introduced food to im in a way where I only gave in to him when he was giving me a behaviour i desired. I would mark the behaviour with a sound and so the horse would pair the two things together and so the sound or marker will mark the behaviour i reward. (if you look up Pavlovs dog it will give a thorough account0 He can't go from anger and lashing out in one step so i shaped the behaviour marking for improvements until he truely felt happy with me rather than just did what he was told because the alternative was undesirable because he would be reprimanded or put to work. There is a misconception about a lead horse if you look up well respected scientist, Lucy Rees who has study herds for many years there is no evidence that there is one lead horse and the alpha mare does not exist. in the enviroment we raise horses in capitivity we create problems like food guarding this is rare in wild horses because of the space and the food value is lower so less of a bun fight for it and they normally have been grazing for hours. I am afraid people talk about moving a horses feet to mimic the lead horse does not stand up. However I am not saying it doesn't work but the feelings the horses go through to get the desired behaviour are different. Some trainers who train that way are so skilled and can read the horse so well than the horse doesn't get into a state of coristol/stress flying around there bodies but they are very rare. It is worth when you watch the videos where the horses are run around a lot look at their expressions on their faces, their body postures and their breathing rates this will give you an indication of how they feel. they might be behaving through learnt helplessness I hope that didn't sound like a lecture but i feel passionate about the horse world being aware of a way to train where there is something in it for the horse as well as the human 💕🐎

[@ullavillaume176]

@@myyounghorses Thank you so much for your answer, it makes total sense. I really enjoyed watching how he progressed. You must be an amazing magical woman.

[@myyounghorses]

@@ullavillaume176 💕🐎💕

[@Absitiam]

I’m watching this, listening, and enjoying you explain your process. While in the back of my mind that clip, of the dressage lady telling a bunch of riders that animal activists are cringe and horses deserve a “good licking”, plays like a bad meme.

[@myyounghorses]

God I am really sorry to hear this, I am not familiar with that dressage lady

[@metalkingtohorses]

any thoughts on what makes a horse behave like this? i have met 1 horse; before i found the right mare who is a snuggle bunny the one i did buy , but the mare i did NOT BUY gave me a decent ride although im pretty sure she may have been sedated or in pain, she was gorgeous but hated everything , she swished, had to be held while being tacked and un tacked and struck out during un tacking, and did not want to be pet, very sad ( i was blessed with a great mare i did not buy the mean one) i just think its sad what kind of life she may have had to make her that way. anyways im not a trainer but i do train my own horses and its definitely fun to see others techniques. its a bit of psychology trial and lots of error, i make videos too so i can actually see what i like about my way of training to help me be better for my young horse.

[@myyounghorses]

I think you are right about the probabilty of pain in the horse who was swishing her tail and pouring the ground when being tacked up, or it could be how the equipment was initally introduced to her and she might be anxious from past experience. That is why I like to train them loose to start with to see whether they even want to stand beside me. How wonderful that your horse is now easy to handle it must be a lovely feeling of achievement 💕🐎💕

[@metalkingtohorses]

@@myyounghorses i am very happy about our bound, i train her on my channel if you wanna pop over ( no judgments though please cuz i am not a professional trainer but i am doing so much with her and she is brave and secure with me and her respect for me has grown and its super enjoyable ( i make mistakes but she is a forgiving mama)

[@roseebud]

I'm not gonna lie, I was skeptical. It's very intriguing. The results speak for itself. Still don't know what to think about this. What if it backfires?

[@myyounghorses]

Thank you so much for the comment. I can understand your skepticism however when rewarding with food if your horse is under threshold of anxiety if done correctly you will actuaully change the way the animal feels about something. You can pair the thing they don't like with a good feeling and chemically change things when they see the thing or the thing touches them (what ever you are pairing it with). If I had used punishment then I might have stopped the behaviour but the feelings would stay the same or be more negative. That is when horses can become unpredictable as they might not show any signals they are going to do something because the signals where ignored or reprimanded . i hope that helps💕🐎

[@dmclassical08]

How long did it take from the beginning of training to the end? How many sessions and how long every session?

[@myyounghorses]

a few sessions per day about 5-15 mins long over about 20 days. Using more pressure I could have got the behaviour much quicker but i wouldn't have changed his view on us humans. I hope that helps 💕🐎

[@dmclassical08]

@@myyounghorses thank you, really enjoyed the video

[@julieslater9383]

I would like to see the video of how you got him to a point where he was comfortable for you to touch and pick up his feet please.

[@myyounghorses]

thank you for your comment. i think I have some footage of that somewnere. It is an extension of what i was doing. So once I could touch him with my hand I would reinforce when he was calm and slowly start touching all over his body. I did this first with the bamboo so if I made a mistake i was far enough away so he couldn't bite or kick me..

[@julieslater9383]

Thank you for your reply Connie, that makes perfect sense.

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

See Steve Young horsemanship. The importance of moving a horses feet and never letting them move yours. He helps difficult horses become balanced and happier. He teaches alpha horses drive each other and tgey are followed

[@myyounghorses]

yes Steve is a great trainer but we are using very different techniques . I am not looking to be an alpha horse I was helping him feel peaceful with me.

[@blackshards3415]

@@myyounghorses And that's absolutely okay! The result matters.