Welcome to the “Performance Through Partnership”™ Newsletter!

In this issue you’ll find:

Upcoming Clinic Dates
Website News
Answers to These Questions about Horse Behavior and Training:
1. How do I get to know my new "first" horse?
2. How do I teach my English horse to neck rein?

Send in your own questions! Dale will choose at least two to answer in each newsletter. To take advantage of this opportunity to get free horse behavior and training advice, use your password to access the “ask questions” page at http://www.dale-rudin-horse-training.com/ask-questions.html

Also, newsletter back issues are posted on the archive page. Go to http://www.dale-rudin-horse-training.com/performance-through-partnership-newsletter.html and click on "newsletter back issues." Type in your password, and enjoy!

Website News

Dale's got a blog! Go to http://www.dale-rudin-horse-training.com/news-and-events.html The link is in the first paragraph on the page. Dale shares her insight and the lessons when she's training horses and teaching students! ________________________________________________________________________

Leadership and Connection Clinics:

Announcement: There are two spots left for the April 25th-27th clinic in Jamestown, TN! You still have time to sign up! If you are interested in attending, contact Timber Ridge at www.horse-camping.com. This is the perfect clinic for strengthening your relationship with your horse. Develop a level of trust, respect, and willingness like you've never had before. You will be amazed at what you and your horse can do!! The cost is $300 per horse/rider. It's a great deal because it includes your stall, camper parking, and 5 meals! We look forward to seeing you there!

Can't make the April clinic? Reserve your spot now for the June 27th – 29th. It will also be held at Timber Ridge Campground in Jamestown, TN.

Also in June, for those of you farther East, I'll be holding a "Leadership and Connection" clinic at Latta Equestrian Center in Huntersville, NC. Contact me at contact@dale-rudin-horse-training.com for more info and to make a reservation. It will be a great weekend of learning how to really connect with your horse and become a leader that he will follow anywhere! It will be on the weekend of June 7th-8th. Hope to see you there!

Horse Training and Behavior Q&As:

How do I get to know my new "first" horse?

First I'd recommend that you learn about his recent health care, including dentistry (which I think is SO important), the type of tack and equipment he's been ridden in, and as much about the training methods used as possible. I would also evaluate a new horse’s physical condition, such as teeth, proper trimming/shoeing, and whether or not there is any body soreness that requires chiropractic, massage, or a visit from the vet.

Next learn about his personality and behavior. Doing simple things like taking him for a walk in a halter and lead will tell you a lot about his personality, such as does he easily get distracted? Does he like to move into your space? Is he confident when you move away from other horses? Is he obedient to your cues? Test his mind-set and his training by applying rearward pressure on the lead rope and asking him to back up. Notice how much pressure it takes to get a response, whether or not he’s willing to give to the pressure, and if backs up straight or crooked. If he backs up softly and willingly, that’s a great sign. If he’s crooked, that could be an indication of psychological resistance or physical soreness. A horse that allows you to back him up easily is more relaxed, trusting, and possibly comfortable than one that digs in and refuses.

In addition to “feeling him out” by exposing him to new sights and sounds, I spend time in the round pen with every new horse I work with. I want to know if he'll respectfully move away from me when I assertively move toward him, and whether or not he’ll act defensively with a kick or get nervous and run. I’ll see if he’ll let me throw a rope in his direction without overreacting, and what he thinks when I bring out a plastic bag. I also pay attention to whether or not he will pay attention, and want to know if he’s confident and trusting enough to approach me when invited.

You should always take your time getting to know a new horse. It’s going to be a big transition for him as well as you, so make sure he has time to adjust to his unfamiliar surroundings. Take it slow, give yourselves time to get used to one another, and I’m sure that you and your new horse will become pals in no time.

How do I teach my English horse to neck rein?

To teach her to neck rein you'll need two things, split reins and a curb bit. A snaffle isn't designed to be used one-handed and English reins are too short to neck rein with because the outside rein will interfere and pull your horse's head into the opposite direction of your turn when you move your rein hand into the direction of the turn. However, you can use a snaffle to begin your horse’s neck reining education.

Before you teach your horse to neck rein understand that neck reining has nothing to do with pulling on the reins to get your horse to turn. Instead you'll use your outside rein against your horse's neck to cue her to look into direction of the turn while you use your seat and legs to guide her body.

First your horse needs to be balanced and know how to bend correctly with two hands on the reins. Then you can start teaching her to bend from a cue from the outside rein. Begin by riding her two-handed. Lay the outside rein against her neck and then reinforce the “bend" cue by applying pressure from your inside rein. Use light inside calf pressure behind the cinch to help her bend her body and outside calf pressure in the middle of her ribcage to keep her moving forward and prevent her from over bending or drifting to the outside of the turn.

In time your horse will associate you leg’s position and outside rein cue with a bend into the correct direction. Eventually you'll need less inside rein, and you'll be able to use less leg too. Your will not always respond correctly though, so give her the added support of inside rein and leg pressure when she falls out of position. In the long run, if you’re not looking to have your horse work on a western-style loose rein, you can still neck rein her in English tack. The main difference is that in some circumstances you won’t be able to avoid making contact with the bit and there will be some lag-time and dulling of cues/responsiveness if she’s in a snaffle.