or to re-train an older horse instead of using traditional methods.
What's the basis of this type of training? Well, round pen training is
actually derived from behavior modification principles used in training
any type of animal, including horses. On a side note, these techniques
also work with people.
Round Pen training uses rewards in the form of body language that mimic the
horse's natural herd instincts to encourage the desired behavior.
Results are usually seen very quickly and a strong bond is often formed
between horse and human through these training methods.
A study at Michigan State University shows that by the seventh training
session in a round pen, horses react with a predictable response in as little
as six repetitions rather than the 60 it took in the first session
(Nielson, B & A. Zanella). Once the behavior is learned, it is embedded
for life as long as the horse receives the same consistent human responses.
Round pen training is an invaluable tool to teach a basic education for
beginning horses or remedial work for older horses.
Horses have a natural instinct called "fight or flight". Using a round pen, a
handler can avoid the dangers of the fight response and maximize the
benefits of the flight response.
Round pens allow the horse to mentally escape from the pressure of the human,
giving them time to think over what response they should be giving.
If the handler were to use a lounge line in a pasture or arena,the
scene often appears to be a struggle, while in reality, the horse is simply trying the flee.
Using round pen training with a calm focused plan, can afford a trainer and
horse a safe environment for establishing a line of clear
communication. Of course, every horse is different, but round pen training
consistently produces positive results in a relatively short amount of time.
Copyright E. Landers - http://www.roundpen.info
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