The River Tiger Podcast from Dynamics Coaching Training your horse using contemporary movement science. Kathy Sierra shares practical tips for helping your horse become a skilful and motivated mover.
Aug 3, 2024
Kathy Sierra, an expert in movement science and learning theory, shares her insights on training horses without force. She discusses innovative strategies that respect a horse's agency, emphasizing the importance of motivation and trust. Kathy explores contemporary movement science principles, advocating for variability in training to enhance performance and engagement. She reflects on her paddleboarding adventure, illustrating how embracing diverse movements can benefit both horses and humans. The conversation promotes a shift towards non-violent training methods, fostering autonomy and joy in movement.
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Create Safe No-Consequence Space
- Start training by creating a safe space where the horse can say no without consequences.
- Use clear signals, like holding a target, to indicate when interaction or cues are active.
Horses Need Time to Test Boundaries
- Kathy’s husband’s mare took a year to realize she could say no and reveal fears.
- Another horse began voluntarily following a companion after forced cues were removed.
Purpose Drives Horse Movement
- Movement needs a meaningful purpose for horses to be motivated without force.
- Simple exercises like walking along a fence line encourage engagement and improve movement quality.