Australian Saddle Maker
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Gaining Repsect From Your Horse Part 3
On the flip side of this is the concept of correction. A horse that is running through the bit or stepping in to you needs to be corrected. Use your tools for corrections. If a horse tries to run over you, use the lead rope to move the horse off you. The proper rope handling technique is to twirl the rope overhand at the horse if it moves into you. The horse may "run into" the rope if it keeps moving into your space. You are teaching the horse to respect your space with this exercise. In some instances, you have to use a correction appropriate to the situation. If a horse tries to flick it's head at me and hit me with it's jawbone, I will make sure that the horse runs into the palm of my hand. This is a correction that a horse understands. Horses in the wild think nothing of using their jawbones, shoulders, feet, and bodies as weapons. They undestand what it means for another horse to use its head and jawbone as a weapon. You need to understand what they consider friendly and aggresive behavior so that you are in position to reward or correct appropriate behavior.
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