Bravery Training 101

Q and I were both in the mood for something different tonight, so I decided to introduce Bravery Training 101.

Whuzzat? It's what most people would call "de-spooking". I prefer to call it "Bravery Training" to get rid of the negative context and emphasize the positive one: you're not teaching a horse NOT to spook; you're teaching a horse TO BE brave. Subtle difference, but it alters your thinking.

I wasn't feeling terrifically ambitious, so we started with three simple objects: a mounting block; a zigzag pattern of narrowly spaced rails for him to walk BETWEEN (not over; you'll see why in a sec); and that scariest of scary things... a tarp.

Plenty of people will tell you this type of stuff is a waste of time. For me, and ESPECIALLY for Quattro, it's not at all. Remember that Quattro's main purpose in my life is to be a driving horse. So sure, Bravery Training builds mutual trust and confidence for any horse and rider, but it also: is a great way to practice his steering and brakes in the long lines; is a great way to keep his brain engaged on things other than how much MO'FUNNER it is to go MO'FASTER; gives him math problems to solve; keeps him going forward in a nice relaxed frame; keeps him attentive and listening, because he's never sure which obstacle he'll be asked to do next, from which direction; and - this is important with a clever young horse - purely and simply keeps him entertained.

I always start this exercise in hand; they need their Fearless Leader to go first and show them there is nothing to fear. Eventually, Quattro will get to the point where he will calmly and confidently ground drive all these obstacles and many, many more besides; first at a walk, then a combination of walk and trot, and eventually at all 3 gaits. Yes, ALL in hand, and ALL ground driving in an open bridle! The carriage drivers will see where I'm going with this: Quattro doesn't know it yet, but in the calmest, most relaxed, low-key way, he is being introduced to the concept of ARENA HAZARDS.

At the very highest level of the sport, arena hazards look like this:



Obviously, it takes years to get to that level, and quite honestly I have no ambitions to do so. But pretty much every local carriage driving association offers arena hazards for Single Horse/Pony, so it's a skill he needs to acquire, and starting early, in hand, at a relaxed walk, with lots of breaks for pats and cookies, is the best way I've found to ensure a listening and attentive horse all the way through the training process.

Quattro's a riot. He spotted the obstacles the second he was halfway through the in-gate. I felt him tense up, and knew he was severely tempted to exit stage left. I just closed the gate, sent him around me in a small circle at a walk, and spoke encouragingly: Take a chill pill, Quattro, we'll get to those in a minute, they don't bite.

I led him around between all the obstacles in both directions, letting him get a good look, on a loose lead; if he wanted to stop and look, I let him stop and look, all the while calmly chatting to encourage him.

When I felt he was thoroughly relaxed I brought him back to the mounting block. Good one to start with, since he has done the mounting block routine before; I just haven't done it lately. A refresher never hurts, and with a timid horse (which, to be honest, Quattro is), it's good to start with something they already know, so that they can gain confidence and "win" by answering the first question correctly.

Our mounting block routine is: he's allowed to sniff it, then he's expected to stand while I put it beside him - on EACH side - and climb on it. He's expected to stand while I lean across his back and say "Hiya, Q!" and pat his tummy, loins, and butt on the far side. He's expected to whoa if he tries to move off and I pull on the reins. Then I get off, move it around to his other side, and repeat.

Easy PASS for Quattro on Hazard One, then. So on to Hazard Two, the zigzag rail alley. He stopped dead at the entrance, but I was pleased to note he wasn't especially tense; he just kind of cocked his head with a "Hmmm, WTF am I supposed to do with THIS?" look on his face. Quick pat, kind word: "I'll show you what to do, Q, you're all right. All you have to do is walk forward. Now whoa. Good boy. Now left. Now whoa. Now right. Good boy!"

PASS on first attempt, Hazard Two!

Now for the Scary Stuff: Hazard Three, the OMG TARP! Led him quietly forward and stopped when he asked. Patted, encouraged, talked calmly. Asked for another step. Got it. Patted, complimented him on being such a VERY brave coltie. Asked for another couple steps. Got 'em. Cookie. Want another one? You have to step on it, then. Want to put your head down, take a closer look and sniff it? No problem, take as much rein as you need. Want to think about it for a few? Fine. Here, let me walk on it. See? Doesn't eat me. It's nice on here, no big deal. Come get a cookie. Two more steps - front feet are on it. GOOD BOY. Cookie. Now come on, let's finish it, two more steps - back feet are on it. Cookie. Pats. Praise. Walked back and forth over it a couple more times.

PASS on Hazard Three. Go Quattro! Bravery Badge No. 1 OWNED!

After that, I took the riding reins off his bridle and put the long lines on. We worked on steering and brakes. The mounting block became something to stop and stand beside; the zigzag was a drive-through. I did try to get him to ground drive over the tarp, but he wasn't quite ready to be that brave on his own yet. He'll get there.

I was very pleased with how relaxed he stayed throughout all of this. We have Quarter Horses at this barn who can't even SEE that tarp without melting down. So I think this is a good work item to add into the mix. I'm off to Wally World on Saturday to pick up some cones, some balloons, some blowup kids toys, and whatever else I can find.

The adventure continues!