Patience, Repetition, Praise, Discipline, Trust, Problem Solving, Good Tools are required elements of successful horse training and management. I have several young horses. I slowly introduce these horses to new things like a horse trailer, to stand tied, clippers, a saddle, a bridle, a river, etc. over time and with repetition. When introducing a new thing it is better if the horse already trusts you. I believe you are more successful encouraging a horse to want to do something than trying to bully them into it. Forcing a 1,200 pound animal is dangerous for both you and the horse. It does not lead to long term success and buy-in.

When introducing something new at Taylor Studios this same philosophy helps in its long term success. A couple years ago we added MS CRM to our tool repertoire. When introducing a new, complicated tool you first must get buy-in (trust) from those that will utilize it. How will it help them do their job better, why should they use it, …? Then it is important to offer training and repetition. Repetition is the mother of learning. CRM was a complicated tool to introduce. We brought in outside consultants to offer several training sessions. This tool has helped our marketing efforts. My knotted rope halters have helped my success in horse training, too. Good tools can improve our odds of success.

With horses and humans every individual learns differently. With horse training I have to try different approaches on different horses. This training takes problem solving and creativity. One horse will challenge you, the next horse will do something with a little praise, and another horse will need a lot more discipline (make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy). When first introducing a horse to load onto a trailer it could take an hour or it may take eight. You have to be prepared to follow through and have the patience that it may take hours.

Taylor Studios is a process oriented company. We have introduced and implemented many new processes over the years. Sometimes we have to modify new processes after we have tried them for awhile. We recently implemented a new required daily install report. This report allows the PM, who may or may not be on-site, to scrutinize if installation is on plan. It allows the team to make modifications to the plan as early as possible. The report has been modified after its first test run. Some lead installers have quickly and easily learned to send in this daily report. Others have needed more discipline in following this new process.

Both horse training and management are very challenging and rewarding.

This is my half Andalusian yearling Freedom. He is hanging out at the Wall of Knowledge learning how to tie properly.Posted by: Betty