For horse owners, the decision of whether to retrain an older horse with existing habits or start with a young, unstarted colt is a common one. While both paths have their unique challenges and rewards, understanding the nuances can lead to a more successful partnership. This article explores the key differences and considerations when working with older horses versus younger ones, drawing insights from experienced trainers.
Understanding the “Culture Shock” in Horses
When an older horse enters a new training environment, they often experience what can be described as “culture shock.” This is particularly true if the horse has lived a secluded life for an extended period. Imagine a horse accustomed to a quiet, rural existence suddenly being introduced to the bustling “big city” of a training facility. This adjustment period, often lasting around 30 days, allows the horse to adapt to new routines and surroundings. Interestingly, even a horse that has never been touched before can adapt within this timeframe.
While younger horses also experience a form of culture shock when entering training, the human perception of this stress can differ. A young, gangly, wide-eyed, and nervous horse might elicit a more empathetic response, often perceived as “poor baby.” The same wide-eyed nervousness in a mature, strong adult horse can be interpreted differently, perhaps with a sense of apprehension due to their size and power. This difference in perception, though not a fundamental training disparity, can influence the handler’s approach.
Individual Temperament: The Underlying Factor
It’s crucial to recognize that even when starting with seemingly similar young horses from the same environment, individual temperaments will always lead to varied expressions of stress and adaptation. Some young horses might readily adapt to new situations, finding them intriguing, while others may exhibit more pronounced physical signs of stress. As these young horses mature, their inherent temperaments will continue to influence their behavior, often more so than their age or initial training. This highlights that temperament, rather than just age, is a significant determinant of a horse’s responses.
Key Differences in Approach: Older vs. Younger Horses
When considering retraining older horses versus starting young ones, the primary distinction lies in managing established behaviors versus shaping a “clean slate.” However, seasoned trainers often find that the difference in approach isn’t as substantial as one might initially assume, with temperament playing a more dominant role.
The Perception of Strength and Maturity
One noticeable difference when working with older horses is their physical maturity and strength. This can translate to a feeling of greater stability and balance from the outset, bypassing the sometimes awkward “gangly stage” of younger, less coordinated horses. However, this increased strength can also be perceived as a potential weakness. A buck from a mature horse can feel more powerful and potentially more intimidating than one from a young horse. It’s essential for handlers to maintain a clear perspective, recognizing that their interpretation of a horse’s strength can either be a benefit or a perceived threat.
Benefits of Starting Older Horses
Starting older horses can offer certain advantages. Concerns about growth plates and developing joints are less of an issue. However, it’s important to be aware of potential pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis, which can occur even in younger adult horses due to genetic predispositions. In such cases, adapting the training plan in consultation with a veterinarian is necessary. This is not dissimilar to modifying training for younger horses due to various reasons.
Established Ways of Being: Temperament vs. Training
The phrase “more established ways of being” can be a subtle indicator of underlying temperament. Behaviors that seem like ingrained habits may, in fact, be expressions of the horse’s innate personality. For instance, a horse known for being “pushy” might exhibit this trait even during new training exercises. The key is to differentiate between a training deficit and a temperamental characteristic. While a pushy behavior might appear as a training issue, it’s often a consistent aspect of the horse’s makeup. Experienced handlers learn to manage these temperamental traits by setting clear boundaries and reinforcing desired behaviors consistently, even if it means addressing the same issues repeatedly throughout the horse’s life.
Addressing Herd-Bound Insecurities
A common challenge, particularly with horses transitioning to new environments or routines, is herd-bound behavior. A horse that feels insecure when separated from the herd is often seeking safety and direction. The herd provides a sense of security, establishing a clear social order and a predictable dynamic. When a horse leaves this safety net, they may feel ill-equipped to make decisions independently and are essentially asking for guidance.
The Role of Groundwork and Clear Direction
In such situations, groundwork becomes invaluable. Rather than offering comfort, which can inadvertently reinforce the horse’s anxiety, clear and consistent direction is paramount. This involves teaching the horse to respond to cues with clarity and confidence. Even when a horse escalates its fear or anxiety, a handler who can provide clear, unwavering direction can help the horse regain a sense of security. This might involve simple commands like “walk left,” “stop,” or “turn,” delivered with a calm but assertive presence.
Understanding Balance and Body Awareness
Horses, especially those coming from structured environments like racetracks, may have specific balance and body awareness issues when encountering different terrains or situations. Straight lines can be more challenging than turns, as turns often encourage the horse to engage its hindquarters more effectively, promoting balance. When a horse feels insecure in its own body or uncertain about expectations, its ability to respond to cues diminishes.
Creating Engagement Through Subtle Cues
Effective training involves making oneself interesting and engaging to the horse, even when they are distracted or anxious. Techniques like “disengaging the hip” can be highly effective. This involves subtly cueing the horse to shift its hindquarters, which brings its attention back to the handler. Practicing this consistently, starting in less distracting environments and gradually progressing to more challenging situations, helps build the horse’s responsiveness. The goal is for the horse to actively look for and respond to the handler’s cues, creating a partnership built on clear communication and mutual understanding.
Ultimately, whether retraining an older horse or starting a young one, the most effective approach is rooted in understanding the individual horse’s temperament, providing clear and consistent communication, and adapting training methods to address specific challenges with patience and empathy.
References:
- Stacy Westfall Podcast
