Building Confidence Vs Desensitisation

I was lucky. When I learned about 'desensitisation' in horses, my mentor used to say, "Lets look at desensitisation. I don't really like to use that word, but I can't think of a better one. I don't like to call it desensitisation as we aren't desensitising them, I guess we are 'sensitising' the horses to realise they don't need to be afraid of things".

To me this is the greatest difference in the training ideas -- no matter what you call it -- flagging, bagging, desensitisation, exposure training - none of it matters. What matters is your approach to the training.

What really matters is your focus, and your idea of what is 'success'.

If your idea of success is that 'the horse stands still and lets you do it' then that is what you will be focussed on, and that is what your training session will centre around -- the horse standing still.

IF your focus is the horse understanding and building confidence, then you won't be so focussed on the standing still part. Although this could be used as an indicator that the horse isn't worried, you will be focussed on watching the horses body language -- his eyes, ears, his breathing, the softness or tension in his muscles, the way he carries himself. When you are focussed on the horse being confident and having courage, the rest of the 'stuff' will take care of itself.

This applies to all of our work on the ground, and with riding our horses. Our focus will dictate our approach, and our approach will dictate if the horse simply learns to shut down and cope, or if the horse actually develops courage and confidence.

You can clearly see in this photo that Boogie is watching, aware and engaged in what I am doing, but she is not frightened nor 'frozen' or just obediently standing because that's what she *has* to do . Instead, she is confident.

What are you focussed on?

Train with us

November 17 & 18 Balance, Self Carriage and Transitions
November 19 & 20 Obstacles for partnership and confidence
Merton Park Equine Mountain Trail Obstacle Course

December

Nov 30 - Dec 2 - Cowboy Dressage essentials Clinic
3 & 4 Cowboy Dressage Gathering and Show
Glenreagh Recreation Ground

Then;
Boutique Midweek Clinics Begin
Dec 7 & 8 - Bangalow
Dec 12 & 13 Coutts Crossing
Dec 14 & 15 Gold Coast
Dec 21 & 22 Taree
Photo Equinox Images
Health - CEN Horse Nutrition
Vest TukTuk Clothing
WildRag Buckaroo Bunkhouse
Rope Mountain Horse Trading
Saddle Peter Brophy Saddles
Cinch Cinches Down Under

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