240: Looking at Training Methods

When training doesn't work to resolve problems it tends to be the horse or student who suffers the blame. Lack of success is often attributed to a person lacking talent or failing to learn. Lack of success for horses is often attributed to the horse lacking talent, having bad conformation, being the wrong breed or poorly bred or just a personality flaw like stubborn or crazy. But what if it is really the system of methods, the training programs, that are producing poor results? Maybe how we go about training is what needs to change in order for all students and all horses to succeed, overcome problems and develop latent talents. Deb and I tuck into this topic because it is personal for both of us. After slogging through programs and being on the receiving end of the blame game we both found solutions by changing what we focus on during training. Instead of just getting through all those tasks mapped out in any training program, we decided to focus on how things were getting done. What is happening on the inside of people and horses has a much bigger influence on success or failure no matter what kinds of tasks we choose to do. Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructorwww.optimalposture.orgHost: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainerdeveloper of Training for Optimal Balancewww.wexfordfarm.com