This is a blog I have been meaning to write for a while now.
The quote:
"Don't make, or teach assumptions".
Is something that has been though my mind over and over again though out the years. Mainly because my horses "Assume" what I want all to often, Especially Blazey boy.
It's not really a big issue for me, I can handle it, but is it important for everyone to understand that Teaching assumptions can be dangerous.
Why does Blaze assume things? That's easy, trick training. Here is one of the main reasons I am writing this blog: I have questions though emails, messages, all the time with people who are basically beginners wanting to know how to teach a horse to lay down, rear, paw, Spanish walk, bow, etc. And their horses don't even have a solid foundation. (I was one of those who did not, an still don't, have a solid foundation.) It is very frustrating for me when you know how dangerous these tricks can be once they are taught. Truth is, once you teach one of these tricks, and give them a treat every time, you teach an assumption.
I see it all the time, when a horse does one of these tricks, people think "Aww they offered it!" and then they give them a treat, THAT is by far the worst thing possible, you're horse does not need to do any trick UNLESS you ask them.
Because I didn't follow my own advice, I have been in quite a few dangerous situations; Blaze rearing up almost striking me in the face,(wanted a treat.) horses pawing me in the back, legs, etc. Because they was assuming.
I would advise everyone to learn the basics, get more advanced. (if your Parelli, wait till you are at least Level 3 or 4 before attempting to teach any trick). Not only will you have a safer horse to teach, but your horse will be more physically, and mentally ready, and so will you.
So please, PLEASE, learn the basics before specialization. I can not tell you how many times I wish I would have taught the basics before trying to specialize things..
Thanks to my mentors, I'm really starting to see though the eyes of a teacher!
I hope this is helpful!
