You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this right now. We do private rescue of gaited horses headed to slaughter. We have had just over seventy of them over the last ten years. We rehab retrain and rehome them to appropriate homes. I have one now that we have had for seven months. Could not figure out why once in awhile he would spook big time melt down when he is usually so quiet and will go wherever the rider asks without question. I had an idea...he has been forced, told what to do and even tho seemed calm on the outside I suspected he was holding it all in. So...I decided to test him at liberty just to ask him to cross a tarp which he will do fine when being ridden and being "told" what to do, lo and behold he lost his s@@@t when I sent him toward the tarp. Scared out of his mind. So long story short, I have decided to let him say no no no to all the things he has been forced to do and I keep presenting it to him where he can say no if he wants. He is a changed horse. He is coming around to yes so much faster now that he understands he can say no and is not being forced to comply. His trust and courage is getting better all the time and I wondered how you would feel about me letting him say no. Now I know. You have no idea how your videos have helped me in my efforts to train and reprogram these horses. Thank you so much. We ride on the beach, too. Is that Pismo beach? I am on the east coast and ride at Emerald Island or the outer banks. Thank you thank you for sharing your wisdom. You have helped us save many horses and will help countless more.
I am so very glad to hear of your work with gaited horses, especially those slated for slaughter. Do you have a website or a channel here where I can learn more about your work?
fab thanks for that..i got a learned helplessness case here..or keeping it in goody two shoes etc..n instinctively ive ridden her on a long rein and let her have some opinions..its hard to explain to ppl as its sure more advanced stuff..appreciate this post and warwicks vid...confidence building all tound
You angel for rescuing horses. It breaks my heart that people use them for whatever then just send them to be killed when no longer useful. People like you make the world beautiful! Yes warwick's wisdom is so enlightening. I'm so glad you found what you needed to reassure you in your training of the horse you talk about. God bless.
This is what makes a good trainer. Knowing exactly which moments to allow the horse to say no and back off, and which moments to encourage them to stand and face whatever it is. It’s such a hard thing to get!
Exactly… & when the U turn happens, I say to my Boy: “Yeah, that scared the daylights out of me too the first time I saw it …” ALSO when my Boy is so scared I can feel his heart thumping right through the saddle… I GET OFF & walk over to the danger thing while leading him & show him that it’s ok ……
Finally. Some clarity on what I’ve been doing that works for my young filly. I wasn’t sure I should be doing it, but I just trusted my gut as I knew it was a method that helped diffuse a spooky situation more quickly and calmly and she worked it out herself but I was there holding her hand (with my presence and voice). Free lungeing her in a big arena with spooky farm equipment down one side with blowing plastic wrapped bales. She’ll move beautifully along 3 sides, nice and relaxed, head low, hips swinging and then as soon as she gets to the spooky side, her head’s up, she speeds up, she’s snorting like the Welsh D dragon that she is and she falls in. I tried the old school method of pressure away from the object and release next to it and whilst it ‘works’ it is a much longer and more stressful process for her. Now I just let her have her moment whilst speaking calmly and quietly and I still encourage her to go past by putting her back there again (in so far as she’s moving on a circle and she’s freely moving forward, not stopping and I’m not about to stop her) and without any pressure she eventually starts moving towards it (not falling in) but importantly without harassing her in the process. In fact I walk closer to that side and encourage smaller circles next to it and she doesn’t stop. Yes, there’ll be an element of her wanting to run past it, but she slows herself down and it’s voluntary rather than forced and it’s allowing her to solve the problem rather than me forcing the answer down her throat. It’s how she’d react if she was free in the school without me. After running away from the fear she’s so inquisitive that by the end shes the kind of horse that wants to shove her nose in it! Hopefully she’ll feel more confident in her own decision making process through this way of training. At the end of the session I halt her next to the spooky side of the fence and wait for her (however long it takes) to release: lower head, yawn, lick & chew and then she gets the cuddles and a pre-exit polo. Hey, I’ve still got a lot to crack but I am enjoying the process and hopefully understanding what it is she’s trying to say to me and how she wants me to help her deal with it…
I find if you give them the room to "escape" their confidence increases very quickly to new questions. I always give them room to escape and i always expect them to rise to the occasion.
This is such a beautiful and respectful way to teach a fellow creature, and in actuality one uses the same general principles with teaching a human to engage with things that frighten them. The world would be a better place if more of us knew this stuff.
Some day my mare suddenly stopped on our usual trail and refused to continue. She made U-turn, I managed to turn her in the direction, when we were headed, but she didn't move forward. I was just sitting on her and keep repeating to myself: horse is always right, horse is always right, something is here, that I don't see. It took me some time, when I finally realised, that high in the tree branches is stucked a colorful flyig dragon. I started to laugh, I was relieved, that I finally know, what is the problem. I dismounted and my mare followed me. She was a little scared, but she knew, that I know about dragon. The next day she just looked up, she saw the dragon, but she knew, it's not a problem and just walked forward.
@@suzannelallen yes I think it is a dragon kite. Or some other manmade item. Over hear I often see people for unknown reasons strap toy monkeys (plush ones) high up in trees or high up on fences. No idea why.
This is so cute. Something similar happened to me when leading a horse to a paddock. He stopped and held his head high and was very concerned. I kept looking where he was looking and realized that he was concerned about all the leaves falling off the trees in the wind. I had the mixed feeling of relief and also disbelief. It was leaves! So we watched the leaves for a minute and then I asked him to walk towards them. He was still hesitant but came with me, and then we were fine.
I've always been a believer in this and I never want to bully my horses. We love a CONSENTING horse! Getting them to willingly say "yes" to hard things is the true magic in the sauce.
😅 I love your care for animals. They are souls just like we are and deserve to be treated with respect and have their feelings acknowledged. This is how you build trust with any animal or human. So glad I found you! Mom of 15 dogs 2 horses and 2 cats and 6 humans. Have a great day!
Listening to him talk about allowing his stallion to spook at the wave brought to mind the way too many bad trainers end up teaching "learned helplessness" by forcing their horse to tolerate something scary until they give up. Warwick's method is so much better for the horse's mental health, and long term confidence in his rider.
It's about respect. When you allow your horse to engage in the conversation, you will start to encounter their opinions. And it's our job, as solution focused people, to figure out how to work together. My mare pinned her ears when I got up, so my solution was to take her over to the fence and slip myself on, without having to put weight in the stirrups. And instead of her walking away while I was getting on, she would wait until I said OK. I listened to her, and therefore she listened to me. I respected her when she said I don't like this. Then she respected me, and waited until I got seated and ready.. The more I listened to her, the more I found "yes" answers to the problem, the more she gave back. I have always liked to get to know a new horse out on the trail, and I have never been thrown, or been in a situation where I felt like I didn't have control. Because I listen to the horse, I felt and saw what they were thinking about, what they were worried about. And I was there supporting them. So they started to listen to me too. People think being better, being superior, means that they don't need to be considerate, that they are smarter, but being smart, is about understanding and being able to conform to the challenges presented. And that's why you want a smart horse, a thinking horse. Because you want a horse that will look for the solution, even if it's just how they can get their way.. If you are smart, that way will be your way too.. And that's what Warrick is teaching, and what yes questions are about..
The first time I took my horse to the beach he completely lost the plot, but not from the waves at first as the tide was way out I had to just let him move as he wanted which was just cantering up the beach. I think the expance and noise of the wind and waves was such a huge difference all at once compared to the woods an tracks, was overwhelming for him. After letting him just go where he wanted he was fine. Although the little half inch waves did take him by surprise too. He eventually became addicted to going to the beach and its where he is happiest and where I do most of my work now, oh and its a free arena with the best riding surface too!
my horse stopped during a lesson and refused to go. I got off and my trainer and I inspected him all over, because he hates flies, and we didn't find anything. Then I raised up his saddle pad and there was an insect under there which flew away! Thank goodness he didn't buck or run! I was so proud of him!
I like the idea of giving the horse the benefit of the doubt, i.e. assuming they can be reasoned with once they know they've been heard. My other take-away from this video is that there are no absolutes in human/horse communication, and that some give and take is more effective than strict "discipline." Much like effective parenting of human children. Thanks for sharing this Warwick!
Thank you for saying these things. I allow my horse to have an opinion because that is the best way for him to know I hear him. I am grateful for your wisdom helping me be better with my horse.
Love your philosophy on horses! So many people refuse to give their horses a voice in their own training, just forcing them along, so I’m always happy to see people encouraging a more humane approach
I believe in “validating” my horse’s desire NOT to do something, even if I have to insist that we do it. For example, we’re on a trail ride, he’s ready to be done but I want to go around one more path. He balks. I’ll say, “I know you want to go home now, but we’re going to go a little farther. THEN we can go home.” Or, “I know you don’t want to, but I need one more canter lead in each direction, and then we can be done.” Pretty much always works, but you must NEVER lie and must ALWAYS honor your word/keep your end of the agreement!! Otherwise trust is broken. Although if you make an honest mistake and give an honest apology, you’ll be forgiven❤❤
11:00 and this is where people fail, taking their horse to the show for the first time. You are anxious, they will be, as it's lots of new things, there are noises, crowds of people, horses, stress is in the air, expectations are high, things are going on at all sides. So unless you are very experienced, and don't stress at all, perhaps both will benefit from just going to the show, and hang out, just share carrots and watch the others. Do that until going to a show is something your horse is relaxed about, but exited to do.
Galemore1 I took my horse to his first outing He's OTTB so I knew he'd be a little wild. But he kept all 4 feet on the ground and eventually settled enough to stand at the trailer and eat some hay. I didn't bring any tack just lead him around. I'll do this as long as I need to. I'm learning so much through "Relationship Before Horsemanship"
Warwick, you talking about how Rey reacts when he is unsure about the answer to the question took me straight to a thoroughbred mare we bred and raced. I always worried about her ‘post racing’ being misunderstood, passed on and mistreated. She was lovely and eager to please and panicked if she didn’t understand but once she knew, she was perfect. I always felt a knowledgeable Schiller home would be the right fit for her but couldn’t work out how to find one so I tried to protect her by rehoming as a recip mare but sadly that home needs to part with all their animals due to lack of feed. I’d love to take her back but I’d be divorced (another story), so I’m having sleepless night while I try to help her find her new home to protect her yet again 😢
I thought I was the only one who got dizzy when the water pulls out ! This was really helpful ! So no is not a bad thing , it’s just in the right context and where the horse is at 😊🐴
Thank you 🙏 I am going this route with my horse, he is very sensitive and he met wrong kind of humans before. He was very scared, very claustrophobic and very dangerous when he was in that state of mind. Letting him being himself and know that he can express his opinion (as long as he would not hurt me) was a huge turning point for him.
I did this today with my 4 year old mare, and she appreciated me letting her say no a few times and then she was confident to walk straight in. Thank you 😊
Reminds me of something similar to this. From the little bit I know about horses, when they do something that we perceive as problematic it's important to find out if the horse is reacting out of fear or if because the horse thinks it is higher on the herd hierarchy ladder than you. Because if the horse thinks it is higher, that requires a completely different response than if it's afraid. If the horse is afraid, desensitize and build its confidence at a pace the horse can handle. If it's acting out because it thinks you're a lower herd member, teach the horse it cannot behave that way and that you're the leader (and of course that means we must act like a leader a horse can look up to). I find if those are mixed up then it makes a problem so much worse. A horse that's being disciplined for being afraid will make it more afraid. A horse being told it can do whatever it wants when it's acting like a higher horse on the hierachy ladder will also be dangerous. It really instills the quote "seek to understand then to be understood." Just this has taught me so much in every area of my life, not just with horses. Listening works wonders
I love this. There are times when allowing the no is helpful -- and times when my horse is just mildly concerned about something, and keeping her moving through it with our normal aids is doable and is a relief to both of us. Knowing the difference is difficult at times, but so important.
You build their confidence by retreating and reapproaching. So in this example you allowed the horse to retreat from the surf and repeated the sequence multiple times. Well done!
Such a clear explanation! Thorough and thoughtful of what the stage of the relationship is at the moment of the ask. So powerful to let the horse say "no, I don't like this" and then let him learn that "oh, maybe it is ok". And you never had to be upset with him...I learn so much here, thanks!
I've enjoyed & followed your brilliant advice since first discovering you a few years ago, & now I'm looking forward to your workshop at Equitana Melbourne & yep I bought tix to your session. Yay! - Linda.
Great explained. Pat Puckett is using the metaphor of a tunnel. The horse have to go through it. He needs to be ready for it and he needs your help to do it. This is where you make the bound with your horse by building something positive. 👋
👍Very nuanced and positive approach. Thank you Warwick, for teaching people about this 'new' approach to connecting with horses. It is my hope that more people in the equestrian industry will allow themselves a re-education for the benefit of their horses, and themselves.
This is totally accurate and I really appreciate you putting it into words so well. You were successful because you had his trust; when you stopped him in the water with your left side, he said, "ok, I trust you", then it was totally successful and eveyone won. Total success. It was fantastic to watch and listen to you be able to explain that so well.
I had a horse who loved going through big waves but small little wavelets were very very scary.also he HAD to roll in the water and the sand and then we could ride off up the beach, great horse
So much for a horse to process! Every wave is a different shape moving at a different rate. So that was lots to learn. I will use this method. Very helpful, thanks.
Thanks for posting. This resonates very well with my testing and trial and errors. It boils down to respect and willingness to be a team with the horse. And taking advantage of one’s competences. And do stuff together. Not top down. That’s how I love communicating with my best friends. I remember so well I did a similar thing. On a bit long trip my horse didn’t want to continue. It wanted to go home. Normally one think this is gonna spoil the horse. But it made a big change. The horse was so happy for being understood!! I listened to him!! It has never been taken advantage of this ever since. Instead it builds team, mutual strength and loyalty. Just one example. And the psyche of my horse and me. Trusting one’s intuition other times one has to be strict, saying “you can do this”. And then that builds confidence too. Other times I’ve been mistaken and too optimistic. Other times him too and for instance accidents have happened. But time for thought processing is crucial. Thanks for sharing inspiring videos resonating with my soul and experiences.
People often forget you can always go back after your horse refuses something. Forcing them to do it especially when it's something you want them to enjoy is counteractive. Like if your horse refuses a jump you can always do something else then go back to the jump.
It's the same with our dog. We allow him to protest and say no, and to politely ask us questions (like stopping and looking in the direction he wants to go if we had planned to go elsewhere, and sometimes go the way he wants). It shouldn't be so hard to figure out that being allowed to say no, even as a human, makes us sometimes say yes... after a while. 'Cause it builds trust and relationships.
Brilliant, grass roots sound advice and reasoning! Your lessons can always be applied to everyday activities. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights 😊❤️
I totally agree Sir. People often misunderstand such principles because they think its about leaving control to the horse. Instead its about solving a horse-issue together at eye level. We practiced this with our 4 year old since he came to us two years ago. You should see how he can spook in place :) Almost running for a second or two but not leaving his position at your shoulder.
This is how you build trust. I don’t get why people have such a hard time with this concept. We respect people that allow us to have an opinion. It’s the same with horses. If people would just remember how intelligent they are -it’s not a war when this happens. I allow my 5 year old to pick which trail she would like to go on or not go on. When she says no to a trail, I trust that she knows something I don’t. One situation was a herd of bikers hauling A** down a hill. If I followed her lead we wouldn’t have been in that situation. I like the conversation. I have had her since she was almost 1 years old. Trained her myself. She is one of the most confident, bold trail, archery 🏹, endurance, ranch herding horses I have ever own by just letting her be able to say no when she needed to. I trust her with my life and that means we have to have a conversation that includes both of us. It’s a marriage. If one spouse has all the say, someone is going to check out.
Thank you for the step-by-step walk thru: it is clearer to me. A progression of trust to build on so my horse trusts my decision making. Very different approach compared to some trainers. I have always thought to give a little more time and see what happens, but I too have to control my fear of a task - - Thanks again always good wisdom
Such an excellent video -- very well explained and much appreciated taking the time to do this when you were prob really tired from a busy day. Yes there's a lot here, but makes perfect sense. Thank you!
Proper training is asking your horse, not telling them. They thinking creatures. Be smart, make them want to work with you. Force ruins a good horse. This makes a trusting relationship.
Yes you have to let them make the mistake. Show them it doesn't benefit him (for example, don't let him run away, then get off him and take him home... that would just reinforce his fears). Don't prevent him going, just re-direct him back to the thing and provide relief when he's facing it. As Warwick did here. That way the horse knows he can go if he needs to, but in the end he ends up in the same place and he can relax there. Move closer in small increments. Be patient
Great vid! Thanks for sharing. Reminded me of when I use to always ride on the beach and take the horses swimming. There's nothing so beautiful and relaxing. You're horses are beautiful. Hope you're starting to feel much better after having covie.
A very interesting conversation that prof Gabor Mate had in the Joe Rogan podcast when they talked about ADHD: GM - If I would distress you right now, create stress, emotional difficulty or tension for you right now. What would be your options for dealing with that? Or dealing with me? What would be your options? JR - I could upset you or I could leave. GM - Exactly! You could fight back, flight or fight yea? But what if you didn't have those options? JR - Yea, then you're stuck. GM - And now whats' a being do when stuck like that? JR - Gets distracted. GM - Tunes out. JR - Yea tunes out, wanna do other things, think about other things. GM - In other words , it's a coping mechanism. They were talking about an ad for medicating children with ADHD, but could have been about shut down horses or horses that aren't allowed to say no as well.
this is so spot on! Thanks a lot for sharing :) and the ocean - i will rewatch just because of the waves being so beautiful :) of course, with the horses alongside - even more ...
just had an experience that has me concerned about the results, but this makes me feel a bit better about. A kayak on a lake coming toward the horses was of grave concern. the youngster was holding his ground listening to me till the other 2 horses bugled alarm. He whirled and I had to let him leap the embankment and then turn him back to stand. it was a bit hoppy and stressed as the kayak continued skirting the lake edge till out of sight. He remained tight the rest of the ride back to the trailers, couldn't seem to come back down till then.
What you described is in human behavior science called desensitization. First, a person afraid of spiders looks at photos of spiders at a distance, for 5 seconds. Then they look longer and closer as they feel more comfortable. Then they hold the photo and eventually get to touch the spider's image. That is what you are doing with this horse at the beach. 💖🌞🌵😷
Man, I think I will take a lot of flack for saying this, but here you go. I watched some videos of Warwick from years back, 8-9-10 years ago I believe, and he was saying absolutely the same thing, but much shorter and more to the point. The only difference between today Warwick and other great horse trainers, such as Clinton Anderson, Andrea Fappani, Jason Vanlandingam, Matt Mills, is that he learned to speak snowflake. I think Matt Mills is getting fluent in snowflake, too. 😁
This reminds me of my human children. Wear themselves out running away from the incoming waves when they're little. You carry them and walk into the incoming water. Just let them play until they're letting their little feet get wet.
I have been taught that when they wheel around and leave to turn them back on the same side they left on and not allow them to make a circle to the other side. I'm not sure I ever understood this logic, but what do you think? Edit: actually I think this was kind of a safety mechanism for starting colts that we were taught because changing eyes could cause them to panic. But it was a long time ago, so I'm not sure.
I used to agree with staying in control all the time after starting 60 horses, until I had a mare that was so introverted and such a pleaser she was (despite very clear and friendly training and no problemes anywhere) eventually imploding and lost all fun in the work. She got too say NO and walk away (with grass available). Took her a week and than she relaxed and decided to engage again even though she was "rewarded" for the NO.
My thoughts. You are telling him no in the end to block his response , BUT I think that is crucial . I also think getting into a fight with a 1200 lb animal is not smart when they are at their most reactive and unstoppable. To me it looks like you let the reaction die down, didnt fight his reaction- but maintained leadership. I think leadership is what makes horses comfortable. I think herd and pack animals feel most safe when led.
I have a good horse, there's no question about that. Everybody loves him.....almost as much as I do. I have had him for almost 8 years. There's one thing that he is absolutely terrified of and it's non negotiable with him and that's cows. Especially bulls. I get him to go as close as I dare and he does that frantic U - turn that Warwick is talking about. I turn him around to face the cows and when he stands still I reward him with turning around and walking away. I've been at this for years and I don't know if I'll ever get him close to cows. I very much agree with you that fighting with a 1200lb animal is not a good idea. When they're truly terrified it won't end well ----- for the rider. I will apply Warwick's teachings from this video, which I have sort of been doing anyway. I also hand walked him to the cows. That ended badly for me and I got hurt. He turned very quickly, crashed into me and I was airborne. But I'm keeping at it, lol. I don't want to give up but I know he's terrified and not just being stubborn. I know him well enough to know the difference. Well, anyway, nice chatting with you. 😊
I'd say it's maybe less "telling him no" and more "asking him if he can stay instead of leaving". It's "asking a yes question", because the work has been done that he was confident the horse's answer to being asked to stay would be "yes". It can seem like the same thing from the outside, but the difference in rider mindset can change the interaction in a lot of ways.
This is a great story about you. It appears you've been doing some reading Good for you. Just so we're all on the same page a horse that Spooks occasionally is known as a spooky horse period.
an environmental fear based NO is easy to see and understand. I think people are thinking that the horse is saying NO to them personally and this is what they cannot accept. People forget we are predators and they are prey. Horses don't say no without a reason.
So you're saying Horses are just like all other Animals, including Humans. They experience irrational fear, and the recovery from it, through a learning curve, at their own pace. I'm exactly the same way. I'll change my mind about things that I think that I won't like, if exposed to risk slowly, and curiosity keeps me interested in it long enough to stay, through the apprehension. My ex knows enough about me to help (make) me try new things, but at my own pace. After, she convinces me I did it all myself.
My audio didn't work at first either but I retouched the phone screen as if selecting that video to play again and the audio started working. Maybe a 1 second fix.
my filly ,is so smart ,but so naughty .I try to give her the choice first to do the right thing ,but I end up having to get after her to get the thing I want her to do done
You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this right now. We do private rescue of gaited horses headed to slaughter. We have had just over seventy of them over the last ten years. We rehab retrain and rehome them to appropriate homes. I have one now that we have had for seven months. Could not figure out why once in awhile he would spook big time melt down when he is usually so quiet and will go wherever the rider asks without question. I had an idea...he has been forced, told what to do and even tho seemed calm on the outside I suspected he was holding it all in. So...I decided to test him at liberty just to ask him to cross a tarp which he will do fine when being ridden and being "told" what to do, lo and behold he lost his s@@@t when I sent him toward the tarp. Scared out of his mind. So long story short, I have decided to let him say no no no to all the things he has been forced to do and I keep presenting it to him where he can say no if he wants. He is a changed horse. He is coming around to yes so much faster now that he understands he can say no and is not being forced to comply. His trust and courage is getting better all the time and I wondered how you would feel about me letting him say no. Now I know. You have no idea how your videos have helped me in my efforts to train and reprogram these horses. Thank you so much. We ride on the beach, too. Is that Pismo beach? I am on the east coast and ride at Emerald Island or the outer banks. Thank you thank you for sharing your wisdom. You have helped us save many horses and will help countless more.
I love Emerald Island! I used to spend a lot of time there years and years ago.
Thank you soo much for that rescue work especially with those gaited horses :)
I am so very glad to hear of your work with gaited horses, especially those slated for slaughter. Do you have a website or a channel here where I can learn more about your work?
fab thanks for that..i got a learned helplessness case here..or keeping it in goody two shoes etc..n instinctively ive ridden her on a long rein and let her have some opinions..its hard to explain to ppl as its sure more advanced stuff..appreciate this post and warwicks vid...confidence building all tound
You angel for rescuing horses. It breaks my heart that people use them for whatever then just send them to be killed when no longer useful. People like you make the world beautiful! Yes warwick's wisdom is so enlightening. I'm so glad you found what you needed to reassure you in your training of the horse you talk about. God bless.
This is what makes a good trainer. Knowing exactly which moments to allow the horse to say no and back off, and which moments to encourage them to stand and face whatever it is. It’s such a hard thing to get!
Exactly… & when the U turn happens, I say to my Boy: “Yeah, that scared the daylights out of me too the first time I saw it …”
ALSO when my Boy is so scared I can feel his heart thumping right through the saddle… I GET OFF & walk over to the danger thing while leading him & show him that it’s ok ……
Finally. Some clarity on what I’ve been doing that works for my young filly. I wasn’t sure I should be doing it, but I just trusted my gut as I knew it was a method that helped diffuse a spooky situation more quickly and calmly and she worked it out herself but I was there holding her hand (with my presence and voice). Free lungeing her in a big arena with spooky farm equipment down one side with blowing plastic wrapped bales. She’ll move beautifully along 3 sides, nice and relaxed, head low, hips swinging and then as soon as she gets to the spooky side, her head’s up, she speeds up, she’s snorting like the Welsh D dragon that she is and she falls in. I tried the old school method of pressure away from the object and release next to it and whilst it ‘works’ it is a much longer and more stressful process for her. Now I just let her have her moment whilst speaking calmly and quietly and I still encourage her to go past by putting her back there again (in so far as she’s moving on a circle and she’s freely moving forward, not stopping and I’m not about to stop her) and without any pressure she eventually starts moving towards it (not falling in) but importantly without harassing her in the process. In fact I walk closer to that side and encourage smaller circles next to it and she doesn’t stop. Yes, there’ll be an element of her wanting to run past it, but she slows herself down and it’s voluntary rather than forced and it’s allowing her to solve the problem rather than me forcing the answer down her throat. It’s how she’d react if she was free in the school without me. After running away from the fear she’s so inquisitive that by the end shes the kind of horse that wants to shove her nose in it! Hopefully she’ll feel more confident in her own decision making process through this way of training. At the end of the session I halt her next to the spooky side of the fence and wait for her (however long it takes) to release: lower head, yawn, lick & chew and then she gets the cuddles and a pre-exit polo. Hey, I’ve still got a lot to crack but I am enjoying the process and hopefully understanding what it is she’s trying to say to me and how she wants me to help her deal with it…
I find if you give them the room to "escape" their confidence increases very quickly to new questions. I always give them room to escape and i always expect them to rise to the occasion.
Sounds like me 😂🤣
This is such a beautiful and respectful way to teach a fellow creature, and in actuality one uses the same general principles with teaching a human to engage with things that frighten them. The world would be a better place if more of us knew this stuff.
Some day my mare suddenly stopped on our usual trail and refused to continue. She made U-turn, I managed to turn her in the direction, when we were headed, but she didn't move forward. I was just sitting on her and keep repeating to myself: horse is always right, horse is always right, something is here, that I don't see. It took me some time, when I finally realised, that high in the tree branches is stucked a colorful flyig dragon. I started to laugh, I was relieved, that I finally know, what is the problem. I dismounted and my mare followed me. She was a little scared, but she knew, that I know about dragon. The next day she just looked up, she saw the dragon, but she knew, it's not a problem and just walked forward.
As in a kite stuck in a tree?
That is a good story! I enjoyed reading it.
@@suzannelallen yes I think it is a dragon kite. Or some other manmade item. Over hear I often see people for unknown reasons strap toy monkeys (plush ones) high up in trees or high up on fences. No idea why.
This is so cute. Something similar happened to me when leading a horse to a paddock. He stopped and held his head high and was very concerned. I kept looking where he was looking and realized that he was concerned about all the leaves falling off the trees in the wind. I had the mixed feeling of relief and also disbelief. It was leaves! So we watched the leaves for a minute and then I asked him to walk towards them. He was still hesitant but came with me, and then we were fine.
I've always been a believer in this and I never want to bully my horses. We love a CONSENTING horse! Getting them to willingly say "yes" to hard things is the true magic in the sauce.
😅 I love your care for animals. They are souls just like we are and deserve to be treated with respect and have their feelings acknowledged. This is how you build trust with any animal or human. So glad I found you! Mom of 15 dogs 2 horses and 2 cats and 6 humans. Have a great day!
I love how his left ear was focusing on you sometimes.
Listening to him talk about allowing his stallion to spook at the wave brought to mind the way too many bad trainers end up teaching "learned helplessness" by forcing their horse to tolerate something scary until they give up. Warwick's method is so much better for the horse's mental health, and long term confidence in his rider.
5:22 5:22 5:23
😊
7:01
7:43 7:44
9:15
It's about respect.
When you allow your horse to engage in the conversation, you will start to encounter their opinions.
And it's our job, as solution focused people, to figure out how to work together.
My mare pinned her ears when I got up, so my solution was to take her over to the fence and slip myself on, without having to put weight in the stirrups.
And instead of her walking away while I was getting on, she would wait until I said OK.
I listened to her, and therefore she listened to me.
I respected her when she said I don't like this. Then she respected me, and waited until I got seated and ready..
The more I listened to her, the more I found "yes" answers to the problem, the more she gave back.
I have always liked to get to know a new horse out on the trail, and I have never been thrown, or been in a situation where I felt like I didn't have control.
Because I listen to the horse, I felt and saw what they were thinking about, what they were worried about. And I was there supporting them. So they started to listen to me too.
People think being better, being superior, means that they don't need to be considerate, that they are smarter, but being smart, is about understanding and being able to conform to the challenges presented.
And that's why you want a smart horse, a thinking horse.
Because you want a horse that will look for the solution, even if it's just how they can get their way..
If you are smart, that way will be your way too..
And that's what Warrick is teaching, and what yes questions are about..
Thankyou for advocating for horses!!
The first time I took my horse to the beach he completely lost the plot, but not from the waves at first as the tide was way out I had to just let him move as he wanted which was just cantering up the beach. I think the expance and noise of the wind and waves was such a huge difference all at once compared to the woods an tracks, was overwhelming for him. After letting him just go where he wanted he was fine. Although the little half inch waves did take him by surprise too. He eventually became addicted to going to the beach and its where he is happiest and where I do most of my work now, oh and its a free arena with the best riding surface too!
my horse stopped during a lesson and refused to go. I got off and my trainer and I inspected him all over, because he hates flies, and we didn't find anything. Then I raised up his saddle pad and there was an insect under there which flew away! Thank goodness he didn't buck or run! I was so proud of him!
I like the idea of giving the horse the benefit of the doubt, i.e. assuming they can be reasoned with once they know they've been heard. My other take-away from this video is that there are no absolutes in human/horse communication, and that some give and take is more effective than strict "discipline." Much like effective parenting of human children. Thanks for sharing this Warwick!
Thank you for saying these things. I allow my horse to have an opinion because that is the best way for him to know I hear him. I am grateful for your wisdom helping me be better with my horse.
I’ve been watching your videos. Absolutely awesome! I love the philosophy behind your horsemanship and am learning so much. ❤️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Love your philosophy on horses! So many people refuse to give their horses a voice in their own training, just forcing them along, so I’m always happy to see people encouraging a more humane approach
I believe in “validating” my horse’s desire NOT to do something, even if I have to insist that we do it.
For example, we’re on a trail ride, he’s ready to be done but I want to go around one more path. He balks. I’ll say, “I know you want to go home now, but we’re going to go a little farther. THEN we can go home.”
Or, “I know you don’t want to, but I need one more canter lead in each direction, and then we can be done.”
Pretty much always works, but you must NEVER lie and must ALWAYS honor your word/keep your end of the agreement!! Otherwise trust is broken.
Although if you make an honest mistake and give an honest apology, you’ll be forgiven❤❤
11:00 and this is where people fail, taking their horse to the show for the first time. You are anxious, they will be, as it's lots of new things, there are noises, crowds of people, horses, stress is in the air, expectations are high, things are going on at all sides.
So unless you are very experienced, and don't stress at all, perhaps both will benefit from just going to the show, and hang out, just share carrots and watch the others.
Do that until going to a show is something your horse is relaxed about, but exited to do.
Galemore1 I took my horse to his first outing He's OTTB so I knew he'd be a little wild. But he kept all 4 feet on the ground and eventually settled enough to stand at the trailer and eat some hay. I didn't bring any tack just lead him around. I'll do this as long as I need to. I'm learning so much through "Relationship Before Horsemanship"
Thank you for attempting to explain the nuance of this kind of situation.
Warwick, you talking about how Rey reacts when he is unsure about the answer to the question took me straight to a thoroughbred mare we bred and raced. I always worried about her ‘post racing’ being misunderstood, passed on and mistreated. She was lovely and eager to please and panicked if she didn’t understand but once she knew, she was perfect. I always felt a knowledgeable Schiller home would be the right fit for her but couldn’t work out how to find one so I tried to protect her by rehoming as a recip mare but sadly that home needs to part with all their animals due to lack of feed. I’d love to take her back but I’d be divorced (another story), so I’m having sleepless night while I try to help her find her new home to protect her yet again 😢
This is well explained with the visuals too. Glad he’s getting more comfortable because it’s a beautiful beach!
I thought I was the only one who got dizzy when the water pulls out ! This was really helpful !
So no is not a bad thing , it’s just in the right context and where the horse is at 😊🐴
Thanks for the insight
Thank you 🙏 I am going this route with my horse, he is very sensitive and he met wrong kind of humans before. He was very scared, very claustrophobic and very dangerous when he was in that state of mind. Letting him being himself and know that he can express his opinion (as long as he would not hurt me) was a huge turning point for him.
I did this today with my 4 year old mare, and she appreciated me letting her say no a few times and then she was confident to walk straight in. Thank you 😊
You have helped so many horses and their people. You are my favourite horse guru. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.
He's my favorite too! Get his book!
The art of negotiation.
This is what I call having a “Conversation” with the horse. You describe it so well, thank you! 😊
Reminds me of something similar to this. From the little bit I know about horses, when they do something that we perceive as problematic it's important to find out if the horse is reacting out of fear or if because the horse thinks it is higher on the herd hierarchy ladder than you. Because if the horse thinks it is higher, that requires a completely different response than if it's afraid. If the horse is afraid, desensitize and build its confidence at a pace the horse can handle. If it's acting out because it thinks you're a lower herd member, teach the horse it cannot behave that way and that you're the leader (and of course that means we must act like a leader a horse can look up to). I find if those are mixed up then it makes a problem so much worse. A horse that's being disciplined for being afraid will make it more afraid. A horse being told it can do whatever it wants when it's acting like a higher horse on the hierachy ladder will also be dangerous. It really instills the quote "seek to understand then to be understood." Just this has taught me so much in every area of my life, not just with horses. Listening works wonders
I love this. There are times when allowing the no is helpful -- and times when my horse is just mildly concerned about something, and keeping her moving through it with our normal aids is doable and is a relief to both of us. Knowing the difference is difficult at times, but so important.
You build their confidence by retreating and reapproaching. So in this example you allowed the horse to retreat from the surf and repeated the sequence multiple times. Well done!
Such a clear explanation! Thorough and thoughtful of what the stage of the relationship is at the moment of the ask. So powerful to let the horse say "no, I don't like this" and then let him learn that "oh, maybe it is ok". And you never had to be upset with him...I learn so much here, thanks!
Your wins make my losses worthwhile. Thanks for sharing.
I've enjoyed & followed your brilliant advice since first discovering you a few years ago, & now I'm looking forward to your workshop at Equitana Melbourne & yep I bought tix to your session. Yay!
- Linda.
See you there !
You're really my favourite horsemanship teacher! 😊🐴👌
Thank you so much for your videos! You have helped me a lot! I appreciate you working through how a horse thinks!
Warwick, thank you for sharing so much valuable information. Your training method is outstanding.
Great explained. Pat Puckett is using the metaphor of a tunnel. The horse have to go through it. He needs to be ready for it and he needs your help to do it. This is where you make the bound with your horse by building something positive.
👋
👍Very nuanced and positive approach. Thank you Warwick, for teaching people about this 'new' approach to connecting with horses. It is my hope that more people in the equestrian industry will allow themselves a re-education for the benefit of their horses, and themselves.
This concept has transformed my relationship with my horses. Especially my most recent orphan colt. Thanks for talking about this :)
This is totally accurate and I really appreciate you putting it into words so well. You were successful because you had his trust; when you stopped him in the water with your left side, he said, "ok, I trust you", then it was totally successful and eveyone won. Total success. It was fantastic to watch and listen to you be able to explain that so well.
Thank you very much for your content !!
I had a horse who loved going through big waves but small little wavelets were very very scary.also he HAD to roll in the water and the sand and then we could ride off up the beach, great horse
So much for a horse to process! Every wave is a different shape moving at a different rate. So that was lots to learn. I will use this method. Very helpful, thanks.
Thank you!
Thanks for posting. This resonates very well with my testing and trial and errors. It boils down to respect and willingness to be a team with the horse. And taking advantage of one’s competences. And do stuff together. Not top down. That’s how I love communicating with my best friends.
I remember so well I did a similar thing. On a bit long trip my horse didn’t want to continue. It wanted to go home. Normally one think this is gonna spoil the horse. But it made a big change. The horse was so happy for being understood!! I listened to him!! It has never been taken advantage of this ever since. Instead it builds team, mutual strength and loyalty. Just one example. And the psyche of my horse and me. Trusting one’s intuition other times one has to be strict, saying “you can do this”. And then that builds confidence too. Other times I’ve been mistaken and too optimistic. Other times him too and for instance accidents have happened. But time for thought processing is crucial. Thanks for sharing inspiring videos resonating with my soul and experiences.
People often forget you can always go back after your horse refuses something. Forcing them to do it especially when it's something you want them to enjoy is counteractive.
Like if your horse refuses a jump you can always do something else then go back to the jump.
It's the same with our dog. We allow him to protest and say no, and to politely ask us questions (like stopping and looking in the direction he wants to go if we had planned to go elsewhere, and sometimes go the way he wants). It shouldn't be so hard to figure out that being allowed to say no, even as a human, makes us sometimes say yes... after a while. 'Cause it builds trust and relationships.
Loved this so much! Thank you! Very, very helpful indeed. Hope you are fully recovered really soon.
Hope you are feeling better….had the virus recently myself, was not fun. Thanks for the video, very helpful
Brilliant, grass roots sound advice and reasoning! Your lessons can always be applied to everyday activities. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights 😊❤️
I totally agree Sir. People often misunderstand such principles because they think its about leaving control to the horse. Instead its about solving a horse-issue together at eye level. We practiced this with our 4 year old since he came to us two years ago. You should see how he can spook in place :) Almost running for a second or two but not leaving his position at your shoulder.
This is how you build trust. I don’t get why people have such a hard time with this concept. We respect people that allow us to have an opinion. It’s the same with horses. If people would just remember how intelligent they are -it’s not a war when this happens. I allow my 5 year old to pick which trail she would like to go on or not go on. When she says no to a trail, I trust that she knows something I don’t. One situation was a herd of bikers hauling A** down a hill. If I followed her lead we wouldn’t have been in that situation. I like the conversation. I have had her since she was almost 1 years old. Trained her myself. She is one of the most confident, bold trail, archery 🏹, endurance, ranch herding horses I have ever own by just letting her be able to say no when she needed to. I trust her with my life and that means we have to have a conversation that includes both of us. It’s a marriage. If one spouse has all the say, someone is going to check out.
My horse says no all the time.🐎🐎🐎🇦🇺🇦🇺🇺🇲🇺🇲
Excellent descriptions of your training process.👍
Thank you for the step-by-step walk thru: it is clearer to me. A progression of trust to build on so my horse trusts my decision making. Very different approach compared to some trainers. I have always thought to give a little more time and see what happens, but I too have to control my fear of a task - - Thanks again always good wisdom
Sometimes the horse knows better. Learn to understand horses. They've saved riders lives.
Such an excellent video -- very well explained and much appreciated taking the time to do this when you were prob really tired from a busy day. Yes there's a lot here, but makes perfect sense. Thank you!
Proper training is asking your horse, not telling them. They thinking creatures. Be smart, make them want to work with you.
Force ruins a good horse.
This makes a trusting relationship.
excellent video, very helpfull for me, thank you !
Yes you have to let them make the mistake. Show them it doesn't benefit him (for example, don't let him run away, then get off him and take him home... that would just reinforce his fears). Don't prevent him going, just re-direct him back to the thing and provide relief when he's facing it. As Warwick did here. That way the horse knows he can go if he needs to, but in the end he ends up in the same place and he can relax there. Move closer in small increments. Be patient
Great vid! Thanks for sharing. Reminded me of when I use to always ride on the beach and take the horses swimming. There's nothing so beautiful and relaxing. You're horses are beautiful. Hope you're starting to feel much better after having covie.
Perfect!👏👏👏
Great explanation. Makes so much sense, thank you.
That was a cool video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks! For sharing🤙
A very interesting conversation that prof Gabor Mate had in the Joe Rogan podcast when they talked about ADHD:
GM - If I would distress you right now, create stress, emotional difficulty or tension for you right now. What would be your options for dealing with that? Or dealing with me? What would be your options?
JR - I could upset you or I could leave.
GM - Exactly! You could fight back, flight or fight yea? But what if you didn't have those options?
JR - Yea, then you're stuck.
GM - And now whats' a being do when stuck like that?
JR - Gets distracted.
GM - Tunes out.
JR - Yea tunes out, wanna do other things, think about other things.
GM - In other words , it's a coping mechanism.
They were talking about an ad for medicating children with ADHD, but could have been about shut down horses or horses that aren't allowed to say no as well.
this is so spot on! Thanks a lot for sharing :) and the ocean - i will rewatch just because of the waves being so beautiful :) of course, with the horses alongside - even more ...
just had an experience that has me concerned about the results, but this makes me feel a bit better about. A kayak on a lake coming toward the horses was of grave concern. the youngster was holding his ground listening to me till the other 2 horses bugled alarm. He whirled and I had to let him leap the embankment and then turn him back to stand. it was a bit hoppy and stressed as the kayak continued skirting the lake edge till out of sight. He remained tight the rest of the ride back to the trailers, couldn't seem to come back down till then.
What you described is in human behavior science called desensitization. First, a person afraid of spiders looks at photos of spiders at a distance, for 5 seconds. Then they look longer and closer as they feel more comfortable. Then they hold the photo and eventually get to touch the spider's image. That is what you are doing with this horse at the beach. 💖🌞🌵😷
Man, I think I will take a lot of flack for saying this, but here you go. I watched some videos of Warwick from years back, 8-9-10 years ago I believe, and he was saying absolutely the same thing, but much shorter and more to the point. The only difference between today Warwick and other great horse trainers, such as Clinton Anderson, Andrea Fappani, Jason Vanlandingam, Matt Mills, is that he learned to speak snowflake. I think Matt Mills is getting fluent in snowflake, too. 😁
😁
This reminds me of my human children. Wear themselves out running away from the incoming waves when they're little.
You carry them and walk into the incoming water. Just let them play until they're letting their little feet get wet.
I have been taught that when they wheel around and leave to turn them back on the same side they left on and not allow them to make a circle to the other side. I'm not sure I ever understood this logic, but what do you think? Edit: actually I think this was kind of a safety mechanism for starting colts that we were taught because changing eyes could cause them to panic. But it was a long time ago, so I'm not sure.
I also get dizzy with waves coming in and out😅
can you please make some videos on how to train small miniature horses as guide animals or seeing eye animals for people who are blind?
I used to agree with staying in control all the time after starting 60 horses, until I had a mare that was so introverted and such a pleaser she was (despite very clear and friendly training and no problemes anywhere) eventually imploding and lost all fun in the work. She got too say NO and walk away (with grass available). Took her a week and than she relaxed and decided to engage again even though she was "rewarded" for the NO.
I didn't have any audio with this video..?
Again.. where is the love button!?
I hope you are doing well Warwick :)
Hugs from Denmark
My thoughts. You are telling him no in the end to block his response , BUT I think that is crucial . I also think getting into a fight with a 1200 lb animal is not smart when they are at their most reactive and unstoppable. To me it looks like you let the reaction die down, didnt fight his reaction- but maintained leadership. I think leadership is what makes horses comfortable. I think herd and pack animals feel most safe when led.
I have a good horse, there's no question about that. Everybody loves him.....almost as much as I do. I have had him for almost 8 years. There's one thing that he is absolutely terrified of and it's non negotiable with him and that's cows. Especially bulls. I get him to go as close as I dare and he does that frantic U - turn that Warwick is talking about. I turn him around to face the cows and when he stands still I reward him with turning around and walking away. I've been at this for years and I don't know if I'll ever get him close to cows. I very much agree with you that fighting with a 1200lb animal is not a good idea. When they're truly terrified it won't end well ----- for the rider. I will apply Warwick's teachings from this video, which I have sort of been doing anyway. I also hand walked him to the cows. That ended badly for me and I got hurt. He turned very quickly, crashed into me and I was airborne. But I'm keeping at it, lol. I don't want to give up but I know he's terrified and not just being stubborn. I know him well enough to know the difference. Well, anyway, nice chatting with you. 😊
I'd say it's maybe less "telling him no" and more "asking him if he can stay instead of leaving". It's "asking a yes question", because the work has been done that he was confident the horse's answer to being asked to stay would be "yes". It can seem like the same thing from the outside, but the difference in rider mindset can change the interaction in a lot of ways.
Where is this beautiful beach?
Moss Landing California
This is a great story about you. It appears you've been doing some reading Good for you. Just so we're all on the same page a horse that Spooks occasionally is known as a spooky horse period.
tops again :)
an environmental fear based NO is easy to see and understand. I think people are thinking that the horse is saying NO to them personally and this is what they cannot accept. People forget we are predators and they are prey. Horses don't say no without a reason.
So you're saying Horses are just like all other Animals, including Humans. They experience irrational fear, and the recovery from it, through a learning curve, at their own pace. I'm exactly the same way. I'll change my mind about things that I think that I won't like, if exposed to risk slowly, and curiosity keeps me interested in it long enough to stay, through the apprehension.
My ex knows enough about me to help (make) me try new things, but at my own pace. After, she convinces me I did it all myself.
😅 It *always* depends! That's where horsemen & women earn their money.
Ok, iI thought it was just me having audio issues! I also am experiencing zero audio on this video
my audio has been fine?
My audio has just started to work for this video now. Took several attempts, mean while any other video I put on in between were just fine.
My audio didn't work at first either but I retouched the phone screen as if selecting that video to play again and the audio started working. Maybe a 1 second fix.
my filly ,is so smart ,but so naughty .I try to give her the choice first to do the right thing ,but I end up having to get after her to get the thing I want her to do done
watch "horse perfect". no excessive talk. just gets in the pen with the horse and his method gets results.
Thanks mate, I'll check it out
Dear mr schiller, have i missed something? Are you ill?
No, perfectly fine. Do you think one needs to be ill to give a horse a voice?
When you're allowing him to spook, are you not giving him any aids whatsoever? You're just a passenger while he's taking you?
Oh I didn’t know you had caught the C virus. Hope you feel back to yourself very soon.