10/13/2026
The key to any proper training foundation is the ability to give softly to pressure.
When Boss first came to me a couple of weeks ago, he made it abundantly clear that he had zero desire to give to pressure and he had two very difficult tricks up his sleeve.
When any kind of pressure was applied, Boss would either push against it by throwing his shoulder into me or he would continuously back up to try and avoid the pressure. He was incredibly resistant which is perfectly normal.
Change brings resistance, and his entire world had just been turned upside down.
In the video below, you will see one of the exercises I use to help horses soften both their minds and their bodies. In the beginning, you can see Boss trying to back up to avoid the pressure on his hindquarters, but as soon as he steps over and properly yields, I take away the pressure.
✨Horses learn from the RELEASE of pressure, not the pressure itself✨
(Thanks Clinton for the great reminder)
I repeat the process several times, always releasing when he gives to the pressure so that he learns softening and yielding are the correct answer. By the end, you see him softly yielding his hindquarters both ways and stepping towards me with very little pressure on the training line.
Great job, Boss! 🙌
