Rewards

Can you tell me what you mean by rewards in this case that the owners should have provided? What should they have done in this case? And why would the horses rebel? How can you make it so they are happy and don't rebel?

I had a different plan for today, but this question is so good, I'm going to cover it in today's post.
My training method is a fairly common one, I've developed it in bits and pieces from the clinicians I've seen, the trainers I've worked with, and the horses I ride.
I'm sure that many, if not most of you, will recognize things I say and do as methods that come from other trainers.
I never will claim to have invented any of this stuff, so if I sound like I have, understand I am continually learning and trying new and old things. It's all mixed up in a jumble of what works for me, and I have made it my own. But I sure as hell had to learn it somewhere.

When I start a horse the first thing I set up is a reward system.
To my mind, the horse doesn't really care if I pet it or praise it. Horses spend their life looking for the big four, none of which have anything to do with me. I like to pet horses, but that's for my benefit, not theirs.
To them, a reward is to leave them be.
When I step to them, that creates pressure.
When I step away, it relieves pressure. Stepping away is a reward.
The first time I saddle I step to them with the pad, then away with the pad when they tolerate it.
So the reward is to have the pressure of me and the pad taken away.
And so on.
The horse learns that if it does what I ask, I'll relieve their pressure.
After the first ride I step off and loosen the cinch, then I put them up. The reward is the release of the cinch, and quitting for the day.
In the beginning I release them by putting them up for every positive step they take.
They really start looking for that positive step.
As I get farther along I increase what I ask for.
I want more and more from them before I give them the big release.
In the middle they get small rewards for being good.
After each properly executed maneuver I let them stand for a few minutes on a loose rein.
All my horses will stand rock still with the reins hanging after the first 10 rides or so. They know if they are quiet I'll let them stand. If they move I don't pull them down, we just go back to work. With enthusiasm.
I rest them often.
I try to make a clear decision with each horse, for each ride. I will either ride them past their comfort zone, and deal with the fall out, or I'll quit before they get to the point of arguing with me.
If a horse starts to fade or misbehave because I've pushed them, I make them mind, and we work until I have their focus again. Then I quit.
This builds a try into them that's really satisfying.
If I have to ask for more, they'll always give it.
Not because they love me.
Not because I give them carrots.
Because they trust me.
They trust my consistency.
They trust my leadership.
They know for a fact that if they try, I will get off, and leave them be.
I'll let them continue their equine quest for the big four.
So based on the give and take I establish with these horses, here's how it must have gone for the mustang.
She went home. Reward.
She was loaded and hauled to a new area within days of getting home. No reward.
She stood quietly while being saddled. No reward.
She was mounted and headed out into the hills without any longing or round pen warm up. No reward.
She walked and trotted without trying to bolt once. No reward.
She was tired and getting worried but still chugging along by mile 5. No reward.
She was back sore and distracted by mile 10.
They stopped and rested for lunch. Reward.
They continued their loop.
The mustang held in there, but was beginning to jig and wring her tail. They pulled on her face to try to slow her. No reward.
Her anxiety was high by mile 15 but they figured if she still had that much gas they would trot the rest of the way in. They let go of her face. Reward.
She was unsaddled. Reward.
She was too back sore to ride for the next few days. Reward?
So she was never rewarded when she was focused and trying. The harder she tried the farther they rode.
She was rewarded with the lunch break when she was losing her focus.
When she really started falling apart they answered that by hanging on her reins. When she couldn't quit jigging, they released the pressure. They rewarded her for pulling on the bit, by letting her speed up towards home.
Her concept is this.
Being good gets me nowhere.
If I get spacey and worried I get a rest.
If I pull at the bit and jump around long enough they will let me head for home as fast as I want.
Trail riding makes me sore and worried.
Next time I'll start fussing a lot sooner.
All of this could have been circumvented if they had done a five mile loop like they should have.
They are joining NATRC. My hope is that learning to competitive trail ride will teach those bozos how to care for that brave little horse.

The second horse was taken from home and away from her pasture mates for the first time.
She was ridden through not one, but three pattern classes the next day.
All of those entail being alone in the arena with a rider she was unfamiliar with.
No matter how hard she tried, she never got a physical or mental rest.
Her rewards should have come like this.
A few days to acclimate to her new surroundings with plenty of good hay and water. Reward.
Light riding without a lot of pressure during that time. Reward.
Lessons with trainer to learn how to cue pretty fancy horse. Reward and knowledge.
Take your young horse to the next show. Ride in one class. Get out of the arena, loosen your cinch, and take her the hell home! Reward.
Repeat step one and two. Reward.
Instead her concept is this.
I don't know who this kid is, but she won't get off me.
She is pulling and thumping on me every time I go in that scary, empty arena.
I think I hate that arena.
I'm not sure yet, but I might hate this kid.

All the hugs, kisses, pats on the nose, or whispering sweet nothings in their ear, will never replace being fair.
If you're not sure how, start reading.

And now it's time to get riding. Later.