Which horsemanship games are best for building trust with a young horse?

[charlesrich]

Recently, I began to work with a rescue horse that is rather jumpy, and my trainer recommended using some games of horsemanship every day to teach our horse better ground behavior. I heard about the Seven Games created by Parelli, yet I am wondering whether there are other variations of the game that are aimed at desensitization and confidence building. We are fighting the Friendly Game now--he is still a jittery lad around the lead rope. And what do you think any one would recommend in proceeding with such games, without overpowering a tender animal? Any suggestions on making the sessions interesting and less stressful to me and the client would be welcome.

 

[Olivier]

The Friendly Game is certainly the basis for this but if he's still jittery, then what about the "Touch and Retreat" method. Instead of holding the rope close to his body until he calms down and relaxes just swing the rope at him and immediately remove it the moment he stands still. It rewards the "thought" of being brave as opposed to forcing him to endure the pressure. Keep sessions below 15 minutes so he doesn't blow a fuse! 100 PHP = US$ 2.72 keep periods short to avoid overload show exert got ready 11-45 minutes keep trained - don't endanger enjoyment member braces

 

[AnnP111966]

Honestly, just walk around the arena with a plastic bag on a stick and ignore him. If you act like the "scary" object is the most boring thing in the world, he’ll eventually get curious. When he takes a step toward you to sniff it, stop moving. Letting them initiate the contact is a total game changer for rescues.

 

[megamind]

Have you tried obstacle challenges rather than just something rhythmic they have pressured you? Set up some pool noodles or some low top off or tarp. This makes the word "training" a puzzle. If he's jumpy at the lead rope he could just be reacting to over head movement. Try to rub him first with your hands, then with a soft brush and then with the rope. Small wins are still wins!

 

[Emmawoods]

The Seven Games are okay, but they can get a bit "drilly" if you aren't careful. For a rescue, I’d focus heavily on the "Confidence Course" style of play. Just remember: if you feel yourself getting frustrated, stop. He’ll pick up on your heart rate before he picks up on the lesson. stay calm and he will too.

 

[HeatherMun]

If he's fighting the lead rope he's probably just going too fast. Suppose you had someone waving a huge snake in front of you, that's what he sees. Go back to basics. Can you stand next to his shoulder and not cause him to flinch? No? Then start there. It's not a race and "overpowering" a horse is just creating a time bomb.

 

[TaylorTravels]

Standard Parelli stuff is for some rescues OTD. Have a look into "Target Training" or positive reinforcement. Teaching him to touch a tennis ball on a stick for reward can be used to build a massive amount of trust because he's choosing to participate. It takes the dynamic aback from 'don't be scared of this' and then goes well hey, let's go do this thing!'

 

[ethancarter]

Just then throw away the whole rope lol. But seriously, sometimes throw in so focused on the "tools" and we deal time with just be in them. Try "passive persistence" - i.e. go and sit in the stall or paddock and read a book. Let him know your presence does not always mean "do" something.

 

[captainghost]

Try the "Yo-Yo Game" but keep it super light. It’s great for teaching boundaries without being aggressive. If he’s jumpy, the backing up motion helps them engage their hindquarters and actually think rather than just reacting with their flight instinct. Just a wiggle of the finger should be the goal!

 

[rebeccareed]

One word: Tellington TTouch. It’s not exactly a "game" in the Parelli sense, but for a tender/rescue animal, the bodywork builds a level of trust that ground games sometimes miss. It lowers their cortisol levels so they can actually learn when you do start the desensitization stuff.

 

[Evelinawright]

Don't overthink it. A "game" is just any interaction where you’re both staying safe and learning. If he lets you drape the rope over his neck today and doesn't flinch, that’s a victory. Put him away on a high note and try again tomorrow. Consistency beats intensity every single time.