For horse owners eager to deepen their connection with their equine partners and resolve challenging behaviors, a century-old training method offers a unique and effective solution. The Jesse Beery Horse Training Course, originally authored in the early 1900s, has empowered tens of thousands of individuals to transform their horses into responsive, well-behaved companions. This comprehensive program focuses on understanding the horse’s disposition and thought process, providing a time-proven framework for addressing a wide array of behavioral issues and fostering a relationship built on trust and safety.
The core philosophy behind the Jesse Beery method lies in understanding the horse’s natural instincts and mental capacities, rather than relying on brute force or fear. Professor Beery, a renowned horse trainer of his era, developed an 8-volume home-study course that systematically breaks down the complexities of horse training into manageable, sequential lessons. This approach emphasizes the importance of reading a horse’s character, learning how to communicate effectively, and building a foundation of respect and obedience. By delving into the “why” behind horse behavior, the course equips owners with the knowledge to correct vices such as biting, rearing, and shying, turning frustrating experiences into enjoyable partnerships.
Understanding Horse Behavior and Building Trust
A fundamental aspect of the Jesse Beery course is its emphasis on understanding the horse’s disposition. Professor Beery believed that “Character is written on every face,” and this principle applies equally to horses. The course teaches how to identify a horse’s unique character by observing physical characteristics, such as the shape of their head and ears, to predict their likely reactions and inclinations. This insight is crucial for tailoring training methods to the individual horse, ensuring that the approach is both effective and humane. Unlike methods that rely on punishment, Beery’s techniques focus on forming useful habits through consistent, logical steps, fostering a positive association with training and the handler.
The course addresses common misconceptions about horse intelligence, clarifying that horses do not possess the same reasoning abilities as humans. This understanding is vital because assuming a horse can reason can lead to improper handling and punishment. Instead, the Beery method advocates for using one’s intellect and understanding of equine psychology to guide the training process. By consistently impressing the right impressions, owners can effectively shape their horse’s behavior, transforming undesirable habits into positive, reliable responses. This systematic approach not only corrects behavioral problems but also significantly boosts the horse’s confidence in its handler and enhances the overall riding experience.
A Comprehensive Curriculum for Effective Horse Training
The Jesse Beery 8-volume course offers a detailed curriculum designed to guide owners through every stage of horse training. The volumes cover critical areas such as:
- Colt Training: Providing the foundational steps for training young horses, establishing good habits from the start.
- Disposition and Subjection: Teaching owners how to understand and manage different horse temperaments to achieve willing obedience.
- Addressing Specific Vices: Detailed strategies for overcoming common issues like kicking, balking, shying, and running away.
- Practical Horsemanship: Covering essential skills like proper saddling, bridling, and leading, with specific techniques for difficult situations.
- Advanced Training and Tricks: Guiding owners to teach their horses a variety of impressive tricks, further strengthening the bond and control.
The course is rich with practical advice, illustrations, and real-life examples, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Many users have reported significant progress in a short period, attesting to the efficacy of Beery’s methods. For instance, Lillian Smiley shared her long-term success, stating, “Over the many years we have used the Beery training methods for all our horses… Your training methods have made our lives easier and much safer, and have a lasting impression on our horses.”
The accessibility of this historical course has been enhanced through modern digital formats, including eBooks and audiobooks. This allows new generations of horse enthusiasts to benefit from Jesse Beery’s unparalleled expertise. The complete 8-volume set, along with bonus materials like “The Arabian Art of Taming and Training Wild Horses” and “Breaking and Training Colts,” offers a thorough education in horsemanship.
The Value of a Well-Trained Horse
Investing in a quality horse training program like Jesse Beery’s yields significant rewards. A well-trained horse is not only more enjoyable and safer to ride but also more valuable. The confidence and control gained through this method eliminate the fear and embarrassment often associated with problematic horse behavior, allowing owners to fully appreciate their equine companions. As Charlie Hicks, who has made the course accessible, emphasizes, “Train ’em right once and reap the rewards forever.”
The Jesse Beery course represents a unique opportunity to access a legacy of horsemanship that has stood the test of time. By focusing on understanding, patience, and consistent application of proven techniques, owners can build a strong, respectful relationship with their horses, ensuring years of safe and enjoyable partnership.
