Traditional VS Natural Horse Training Methods
When training a horse, you can choose to go with either traditional or natural training methods. Both center on gentle horse handling, human personal space and correcting undesirable behavior. However, there are some differences between the two training methods to consider.
Horse’s Body Language
In a traditional training method, the trainer acknowledges the horse’s body language but only to a limited extent. They know that if the horse lays his ears back it means that the horse may bite, or if he lifts his rear foot, it means he may kick. They also advise not to
approach a horse from behind or to walk in back of him.
On the other hand, natural training methods put more focus on the horse’s body language. Trainers take into account the way the horse positions his head, tilts his ear or holds his mouth. Trainers often mimic the movement of a dominant horse to show that they want a horse to do.
Horse’s Input
Traditional methods focus on the trainer, progressing when the trainer says. Trainers will take more time on a certain skill or take a step back if they can tell the horse is not ready to progress.
Natural training places greater on the horse’s readiness. They wait until a horse shows specific signs to progress to the next stage. They make sure that the horse exhibits signs such as lowering his head and showing a desire to come to the trainer before moving on in each stage.
Rider and Horse Conflict
In a traditional training environment, if the horse refuses to do something, such as pass a scary object, it is regarded as disobedience. The usual answer is for the rider to stay in the saddle and force the horse to pass, using a whip if necessary.
In contrast, natural training methods try to avoid any disagreements or punishment toward the horse. If faced with the same scary situation, a natural trainer will dismount the horse and will lead him past the object.
Training Aids
Traditional methods tend to make use of artificial aids such as strong bits and nosebands to make the horse behave. The goal in using these gadgets is to correct muscle development.
Natural training uses natural aids instead. Trainers choose to use their voice, hands and legs rather than gadgets to correct the horses.