Motivating a Lazy Horse: Ken McNabb Horsemanship

Today, we are talking about MOTIVATION, particularly when it comes to horses who are more reluctant to move. To be motivated, you have to feel that there's a reward at the end, so during this lesson I want to focus on rewarding the horse for forward motion AND a positive attitude about that forward motion.

TOOLS
Spurs, in my opinion, are for specific cues, and I'd rather not use them as a tool to get him to move out. When I want to achieve forward motion and I need an outside tool as a reinforcer, I'd rather "bite him" on the butt with a dressage whip, because that's most similar to what another horse would do. The goal is to only use the dressage whip temporarily and eventually move away from having to use it at all.

GROUNDWORK
I'm going to start on the ground and ask the horse to walk off just with a kissing noise. When he doesn't walk off, I'll give him a spank. Try not to be too picky to begin with. Just reward movement. If he kicks out and shows attitude, I will give a second spank to continue to drive him forward. When the horse understands to move forward without having to use the whip, we are ready to move on to riding.

WORKING ON MOTIVATION UNDER SADDLE
When it comes to lazy horses, I think more people actually have problems with attitude rather than movement. To start changing the attitude, I am going to reward (slow down) when he has good forward motion and ears forward. I am also going to push him to speed up when he decides on his own to slow down. If he kicks out or demonstrates attitude through his body, correct it while keeping him moving. You don't want to reward the behavior by slowing down.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
- It is important to acknowledge that horse can't be motivated if we are not motivated. On a lazy horse, I envision us trying to win the Kentucky Derby. Having this vision in my mind brings more energy into my body, which communicates forward energy to my horse.
- Remember that pressure motivates him to seek a release, but the RELEASE is what makes the CHANGE.
- It is also important to keep in mind that CONSISTENCY is key with a lazy horse.

MOTIVATION
Motivation is the inner push to rise to the occasion. Sometimes people don't realize their potential, so it is hard to be motivated. In order for me to feel motivated, I have to have an end picture in mind. I have to have a goal. Attitude has a lot to do with motivation. Believing something positive will happen, and being rewarded for small successes both have a lot to do with how motivated we will be to keep trying.

Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride,

- Ken McNabb