His answer fascinated me. He said that when a horse/mustang has been working, and then stops and rests … this is a powerful time to teach. When the mustang is standing in the middle of the arena, just hanging out, he gradually introduces the sound of the whip or a gun. Because the horse pairs the sounds with rest, he easily becomes comfortable with the noises.
He went on to say that the rest time is an integral part of his training.
For a long time, I have understood the power of recovery in training any kind of mental, emotional or physical skill. The idea is that when we “work” (as in exert energy), we stimulate growth. But when we recover, that is when the growth actually happens. Without rest and recovery, we get weaker instead of stronger. We need methodical rest to get strong.
I have also understood that when a horse is released and pauses, that is a huge reward for him. However, I never really thought of introducing potentially fearful stimuli to a horse during a time of rest in such a methodical way.
How could you use this idea in your riding/training? It is a powerful one.
The Power in Rest
by barbra schulte
Barbra Schulte is a Professional Cutting Horse Trainer, Personal Performance Coach, Author, Clinician, and Equine Consultant. In 2012 Barbra was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors possible for women equestrians.
www.barbraschulte.com
Bobby Kerr
One of my favorite things I do in my online education work is interview other professionals. Often the interviews are a part of an online course.
Recently I interviewed Bobby Kerr, the famed mustang trainer who is now doing rodeo performances with his mustangs throughout the country.
During the interview Bobby talked about how he could crack whips or shoot guns off of the backs of mustangs. He accomplished this during a training window of only 90-120 days.
Barbra
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