Training Tip: Two Eyes Are Always Better Than Two Heels

What does a respectful horse do when you walk up to catch him? He turns and gives you two eyes, and even walks up to you. What does a disrespectful horse do? He turns his butt to you and gives you two heels. I hate having to run after my horse to catch him. Get your horse in the habit of always giving you two eyes. First, make sure your horse understands the concept of Yielding the Hindquarters Stage One and Stage Two (Fundamentals Series exercises). Then every time you walk up to catch him, apply pressure toward his hindquarters with rhythm until he faces you. Initially, practice in a smaller enclosure such as a stall in case the horse tries to run away. Once he understands, you should be able to walk out to his pasture, look at his hindquarters, and he’ll give you two eyes and even walk up to you.