Nothing is more important for the long-term benefit of a horse than his first 3-4 hours under human instruction. Phil's technique is proven again and again through the growing list of clients that appreciate the care and handling their horses receive. The success of each horse and rider's training is rendered obvious upon its return home from the Haugen Training Facility in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The horse and rider are provided training and instruction in an environment and atmosphere where they can truly reach their potential.
Phil Haugen's Training Tips:
March, 2010:
"Tip of the Month"
With any horse, no matter what discipline the animal is used for, the biggest challenge for the rider is controlling the Horse's five body parts. The head, neck, shoulders, ribcage, and hindquarters. Thru the years I have realized that there are very few riders that actually have control of their horse's five body parts. I feel there are two simple reasons for this: 1. The rider simply does not understand the steps to go thru to get control of the horse's five body parts or 2. The rider understands the steps but is not willing to put in the time to get the desired results. Either way I can assure you that if you will learn the steps to controlling your horse's five body parts, and you will put the time in reinforcing these fundamentals thru correct repetitions, you will help your horse to reach its potential. With that being said my "Tip" for this month is how to establish great "Lateral flexion".
"Lateral Flexion"
The first thing you must understand about flexion is that for you to obtain a true flex from your horse 2 things must happen.
1. Your horses feet must be still and not moving and
2. Your horse must not be hanging on the bridle, there should be no pressure on the bit when the horse flex's its head laterally.
Lateral flexion should be established on the ground as well as on the horse's back.
When flexing a horse laterally while on its back follow these steps:
1. Reach down your rein and grasp firmly with your thumb up.
2. Bring the rein back to your thigh close to the area where the swells of your saddle are with your thumb up just like you were sticking a knife in your leg, do not move your hand.
3. As soon as your horses feet stop moving and your horse releases any pressure on the bit release the hold on your rein immediately.
The release is what teaches your horse what response you are looking for. Every time I get on a horse whether it be a colt I just started or a horse we have been riding for years I flex the horse laterally at least five times both directions just to reinforce that fundamental thru correct repetitions. Lateral flexion is the starting point for most exercises you will perform with your horse. Great lateral flexion is a must. You cannot have your horse "too soft". In my estimation you lose 60-70 percent of that softness when you put the speed with your horse so you better have great lateral flexion at a walk, trot, and lope.
Always work on lateral flexion at a stand-still first, then a walk, then a trot, then a lope. Lateral flexion at a walk, trot, and lope is the same as a one rein stop. When doing the lateral flexion exercise at a walk, trot, and lope go thru the steps the same as if you are at a standstill and put your hand that is opposite of your rein hand on the horn to help balance yourself and your horse. Always give your horse plenty of time to find the response you are looking for. Do not reach down the rein and jerk your horses head to one side expecting an immediate response. To begin with work on your lateral flexion at a standstill then a walk, etc. Do not go on to the next gait until you have it perfect at previous gait. Lateral flexion or a one rein stop done correctly at a walk, trot, or lope will help keep your horse soft in his head and neck, it also helps a horse to bend in the ribcage and teaches a horse to get his hock up underneath himself. These are all responses that are necessary for great turns. Remember, always start slow on these exercises and give your horse time to find the response you are looking for.
If you have any questions please give me a call or email. Have a Great Month.
Phil Haugen
