AGSC 252: HORSE TRAINING TECHNIQUES Dr. Charlie Apter 3084 Magruder Hall 785-4584 capter@truman.edu Meg Sorhus University Farm Office 785-7477 sorhus@nemr.net DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES This course is meant to be a basic introduction to techniques used for training young horses. In the lecture portion we will discuss behavior and perception, body language of horses, their vices, learning and behavior modification, and other subjects related to the equine athlete. We will also discuss characteristics that are desirable in horse trainers. In the lab portion students will gain hands-on experience with the training of young horses. TEXT Principles and Techniques of Horse Training and Management, SP Webb CA McCall, MM Vogelsang and GD Potter, American Press, Boston (for lab) LECTURE SCHEDULE Week 1 Course introduction, overview, objectives Week 2 Equine behavior and its management Supplemental reading: Applying Behavior to Horse Training Week 3 Perception, or how the horse responds to stimuli Supplemental reading: Methods for Developing Cues Week 4 Interpretation of the body language of horses Week 5 Vices of horses: Causes and management Week 6 Behavior modification in the horse (i.e., training) Supplemental reading: Applying Principles of Psychology to Horse Training Week 7 Reinforcement and punishment of behavior Supplemental reading: Review of learning behavior in horses Week 8 MIDTERM EXAM Week 9 Midterm Break, no classes Week 10 Relationships of learning and training Week 11 Natural and artificial aids and specialized training equipment Week 12 CASE STUDIES Week 13 Use of physiological parameters to monitor conditioning Supplemental reading: Exercise physiology in horses: Fitness vs. fatness Week 14 Development of training regimens for the equine athlete Supplemental reading: Nutrition and feeding management for the high-performance horse Week 15 Desirable qualities of the horse trainer: Are you succeeding in the training of your horse? Supplemental reading: The trainer EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING Midterm exam 100 pts (material from lecture and lab) Final exam 150 pts (comprehensive, material from lecture and lab) Case study   25 pts Major practicals   75 pts (Midterm) 100 pts (Final) Minor practicals/stalls 100 pts total Training journal   50 pts total CASE STUDIES Students will be assigned to groups prior to this class period. Each student will present a behavioral or training situation to his/her group who will discuss and offer suggestions. Students will turn in, at the next class period, a written report on the problems discussed by the group. Students must attend this class period. Absence will require an alternative assignment to receive credit. OBJECTIVES FOR PROJECT HORSES Weanlings/Yearlings: At the conclusion of the semester, the weanling/yearling will: be easily caught, haltered, and tied respond well to voice commands while being led at the walk, trot, and halt stand and set up quietly and on command back in a straight line on command pivot on command pick up his feet without resistance stand quietly while being bathed stand quietly and tolerate clipping be completely accustomed to sacking out stand quietly while feet are trimmed stand quietly for grooming and handling load easily into a trailer be able to show in a showmanship class longe in a round pen, responding to voice commands (walk-trot-canter-whoa) free-longe in a round pen, responding to voice commands (walk-trot-canter-whoa) Two-year-olds: In addition to the above, at the conclusion of the semester, the two-year-old will: be accustomed to and respond appropriately to bridle and bit while being longed stand quietly while being tacked and cinched up be accustomed to saddle while longing be accustomed to driving lines demonstrate acceptance of the bit while being ground driven be accustomed to weight and movement in the saddle walk with rider on cue in a balanced, uninhibited frame canter on both leads with rider on cue in a balanced, uninhibited frame develop a correct and comfortable headset develop a feel for and response to leg, body and hand pressure be able to make clean, collected gait transitions stand still while rider is mounting and dismounting stand still while rider is adjusting stirrups, cinch, body position, etc. be able to halt, back up and stand quietly with rider on command be able to bend easily at turning yield to leg pressure Older horses: In addition to the above, at the conclusion of the semester three-year-olds will: walk and trot quietly over ground poles walk quietly over a tarp be able to perform a simple reining pattern be able to perform a clean, simple lead change be able to pivot 360 degrees be able to be ridden inside and outside with the same degree of control yield to leg pressure to a higher degree than the two-year-old at all gaits be able to bend well perform at all gaits and exercises with a correct and consistent headset be relaxed and controllable on a trail ride go willingly into a collected transition on a loose rein give easily to light bit pressure be able to perform a figure eight with a simple lead change be able to perform a serpentine, displaying correct bending of the body Throughout the semester, the STUDENT will: enjoy themself understand the importance of consistency with their horse understand the significance of training aids used allow the horse to advance at a comfortable pace for the horse be sure that each area covered is done so in a thorough manner THINK before each training session about goals for the horse, and if one method does not work, implement another keep a daily journal of each training session, including goals for the day and the results of each, as well as any questions or problems he/she might encounter EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS Yearlings yearling halter (flat nylon) 9 foot heavy cotton lead rope with heavy snap 25 foot cotton longe line with snap longe whip gloves Two-year-olds horse halter (flat nylon) 9 foot heavy cotton lead rope with heavy snap two 25-30 foot cotton longe lines with snaps longe whip training bridle with snaffle bit gloves Three-year-olds same as two-year-olds Students will be allowed to use saddles and saddle pads that belong to the University. However, Horsemanship classes have first priority, and so you may have to take what's left. Students will also be allowed to use the University's grooming supplies excluding shampoo, conditioner, show sheen, hoof polish, etc. Brushes, combs, etc. will be available for use under the condition that students maintain and keep track of what they use. If any of these privileges are abused, they will be taken away and students will be responsible for purchasing these items as well.