Fairness is key to creating “good” horses that are respectful and well-behaved, explained Aubrey Graham, anthropologist and trainer of Kivu Sport Horses. Graham offers her insight into training off-track Thoroughbreds to Horse Nation in a weekly column.
Graham notes that fairness in training horses should include kindness (but firmness in setting boundaries), consistency, appreciating individuality, as well as proportionality in questions asked and the horse's response.
Graham feels that “being fair” in horse training should include:
- Being clear in all communication
- Being consistent in all actions and energy. This creates predictability, Graham noted, which can lower stress levels.
- Relating your response to the horse's intent. A kick at a person and a kick at a fly have different intentions and should be treated as such, she said.
- Not holding a grudge
- Praising the try
Read more of what Graham finds fair at Horse Nation.
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