This week we will dive into training principles and fundamental skills that will be needed to help you through the next 11 weeks. We’ll talk about how horse brains work, motivation, reinforcement, behavior, and more. And then you’ll have a chance to work through some exercises with your horse to demonstrate these skills.

It may seem simple, but the way you approach, greet, and lead your horse can determine how the rest of the day goes. Taking into account things like whether your horse is an introvert or extrovert, how you present yourself, and how you greet eachother can have a profound impact. We’ll also teach your horse to accept the halter, or even self halter, how to lead politely staying at your shoulder, and how to stand tied. We’ll even discuss what causes a horse to pull back and how to help a horse with this behavior.

It can be so fun to spend quality time grooming your horse, but only if they enjoy it too. A horse that wiggles and paws the whole time is much less enjoyable. This week we’ll work on skills like standing patiently, having all body parts handled, including ears, teeth, and feet, and grooming activities including notoriously tricky ones like water and clippers.

Mouthiness and crowding are annoying at best and dangerous at worst. This week we’ll look at several approaches to fixing these behaviors, and find the one that works best for you and your horse.

If there’s one thing that both horses and my toddler teach me time and again it’s that it is so hard to wait. But waiting is an important skill. In week 5 we’ll work on standing patiently, impulse control, and waiting. When done correctly, you’ll be able to carry on a conversation with your barn friends on the ground or in the saddle, take that phone call, or just stop and watch the sunset while your horse waits patiently. Sounds nice, huh?

We’re halfway there, and already your horse is so much more fun to be around on the ground. But what about under saddle? It’s time to tack up and hop on to work on the next few weeks’ lessons, but first, we’ll help our horses learn to be saddled, cinched up, and bridled without a fuss. The advanced pairs might even learn to self bridle this week, which is more than just a fun party trick. Typical “problem” behaviors we’ll address include cinchiness and refusing to take the bit.

Few things are more frustrating than a horse that simply can’t stand still to be mounted. In week 7 we’ll help our horses learn to stand patiently at the mounting block, on the ground, and at random objects to learn to be mounted—from both sides. You never know when you might need to hop on from a tree stump from the right side on a narrow trail, and this is the week we’ll make sure your horse can handle it.

It’s finally time to work on the mounted habits, including opening, entering, and closing gates, resolving buddy sourness, gate sourness, and addressing that “spooky” corner.

In week 9 we’ll learn 3 different ways to go through a gate safely, and patiently. All horses can benefit from this practice, but especially the gate sour, barn sour, or the ones that bicker with a neighbor while moving through a gate. This is one of those skills that doesn’t seem that important, but once you learn it you’ll be so glad you did.

While we won’t be able to conquer ALL spookiness in one week, we will be able to equip you with the strategies you need to build your horse’s confidence and help them overcome common fears so that you will know what to do when spooks arise.

I cannot over state the importance of a horse feeling confident and safe to hop into a trailer at any time. For their safety and yours, your horse must be able to load and unload without fuss in both calm circumstances and stressful ones. In the penultimate week, we’ll work on loading and unloading safely, building both your horse’s confidence and yours as you navigate trailering.

Equine professionals can become quite scary or stress-inducing for our horses, but for the safety of your horse, you, and the professional, it is critical that your horse stand patiently, accept medications in all forms, and tolerate hoof trims regularly. This week we’ll introduce the skills your horse needs to accept oral, topical, and injectable medications, use of common farrier tools, and physical touch all over the body.

You made it! Your horse is more patient, confident, and enjoyable to be around, and you are more capable as a handler. It’s time to get certified. If you still have some things to workout, not to worry, your eligibility lasts up to a year after you complete the course, so you have some time to practice, hone, and study. All you need to do to complete your certification is demonstrate the 12 skills we learned in this course either in person or virtually.