In the vast world of horse training, few figures have sparked as much conversation and debate as Ryan Gingerich. Known to many through his television presence and the “Connective Horsemanship” DVD series, Gingerich carved out a niche as a specialist in equine behavioral problems. His approach, centered on meticulous groundwork and a unique philosophy of control, has earned him both a dedicated following and vocal critics. For any horse owner seeking to understand different training methodologies, exploring the work of Ryan Gingerich offers a fascinating case study in communication, control, and controversy.
This article provides a deep dive into the methods of Ryan Gingerich, the horse trainer who promised to help owners connect with their difficult horses, breaking down his core principles and examining the discussions that surround his unique style.
Who is Ryan Gingerich? The Rise of a TV Behaviorist
Ryan Gingerich rose to prominence not in the traditional show ring, but on the screen. Through a show on RFD-TV and a well-marketed series of DVDs, he positioned himself as “The Behaviorist,” a trainer who could solve the kind of problems that left average horse owners feeling helpless and frustrated. His brand was built on tackling unruly, green-broke, and problem horses, addressing issues from biting and bucking to a general lack of respect.
Unlike trainers focused on high-level competition, Gingerich’s target audience was the everyday horse owner. He presented a system, “Connective Horsemanship,” as a teachable, step-by-step solution to create a solid foundation and a safer, more respectful equine partner.
Decoding Connective Horsemanship: The Core Philosophy
At the heart of Gingerich’s program is a simple but powerful idea: to control the horse’s mind, you must first have absolute control of its feet. This principle dictates that every action the horse makes begins with the movement of a single hoof. By breaking down communication to that fundamental level, a handler can build a language of precision and control.
One Foot at a Time: The Foundation of Control
Gingerich’s method is highly analytical. He teaches that the left rein corresponds to the left front foot, the right rein to the right, and the rider’s legs cue the hindquarters and initiate forward motion. In his groundwork, often demonstrated with a dressage whip for light tapping cues, he isolates one leg at a time. The goal is to teach the horse to move a specific foot in response to a specific, light cue. For example, he might tap the horse’s left side at the girth to ask the left front leg to lift and move forward. This breaks down complex maneuvers like turning or side-passing into their most basic components, aiming to eliminate confusion for the horse.
The Six Basics: A Ground-Up Approach
Before any advanced work can begin, Gingerich insists that every horse must master six fundamental skills:
- Go Forward: Respond to a light cue without hesitation.
- Stop: Halt immediately and softly.
- Turn Left: A balanced and responsive turn.
- Turn Right: Mirroring the left turn with equal ease.
- Back Up: Moving backward willingly and straight.
- Stand Still: Remaining patiently in one place until given the next cue.
He advocates for spending significant time on this foundation, suggesting as much as a month on groundwork followed by a month of under-saddle work, all at the walk, before introducing more speed or complexity.
“Training’s like watching the grass grow,” Gingerich has said. “It’s real boring… but it’s very necessary.” This quote encapsulates his emphasis on patience and methodical repetition over quick fixes.
A Divisive Figure: Debates in the Horse Community
While many have found value in his systematic approach, Ryan Gingerich is not without his critics. In online forums and community discussions, some experienced equestrians have raised concerns about his methods, leading to a polarized view of his work.
The most common criticisms suggest his system is overly complicated and can lead to confusion for both horse and rider. Some trainers argue that his focus on isolating individual feet can create a mechanical, disconnected feel, rather than promoting a holistic sense of forward motion and rhythm. His method for stopping, which involves using one rein and then the other to “shorten the strides until there is no forward motion,” has been described by some as a “see-saw” motion that works against the principles of a soft, balanced halt.
Furthermore, his television persona has been labeled by some as overly dramatic, suggesting that the “problem horses” featured were often not as difficult as portrayed. This has led some to view his program as more of an “infomercial” for his products than a pure educational platform.
What Can Horse Owners Learn from Ryan Gingerich?
Regardless of one’s opinion on his complete system, there are valuable takeaways from Ryan Gingerich’s philosophy. His unwavering emphasis on establishing a solid foundation is a principle that every respected horseperson can agree on. Rushing a young or difficult horse is a recipe for disaster, and his advocacy for “boring” groundwork and mastering the basics is a crucial reminder in a world that often seeks instant results.
His work also highlights the importance of clear communication. While one might not agree with the specifics of his cues, the underlying idea of creating a consistent and understandable language with your horse is fundamental to good horsemanship. He encourages owners to think about how they are asking for a maneuver and what the horse is feeling in response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ryan Gingerich’s horse training method called?
Ryan Gingerich’s method is called “Connective Horsemanship.” It is based on the principle of controlling the horse’s feet individually to control its mind and actions, focusing on six basic maneuvers as the foundation.
What kind of horses does Ryan Gingerich specialize in?
He is best known for working with horses that have behavioral problems. His television show and DVDs often feature “unruly” horses, green-broke horses, or those with specific issues like biting, bucking, and trailer loading anxiety.
Why are Ryan Gingerich’s methods considered controversial?
Some trainers and horse owners find his methods to be overly complicated and mechanical. Specific techniques, such as his see-sawing approach to stopping and his complex system of leg cues, have been criticized for potentially confusing the horse and going against more traditional horsemanship principles.
Does Ryan Gingerich teach groundwork?
Yes, groundwork is the cornerstone of his entire program. He advocates for spending at least a month on foundational groundwork exercises before progressing to more demanding under-saddle work to ensure the horse understands the basic cues completely.
Where can I see Ryan Gingerich’s training?
Ryan Gingerich became widely known through his show on RFD-TV and his extensive “Connective Horsemanship” 5-DVD series. Clips and full episodes can often be found on platforms like YouTube.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Discussion
Ryan Gingerich remains a noteworthy figure in the modern history of horse training. He successfully packaged and presented a systematic approach for dealing with problem horses, reaching a wide audience through media. His “Connective Horsemanship” philosophy, with its intense focus on the horse’s individual feet, offers a unique perspective on control and communication. While his methods continue to be a source of debate, his career underscores a universal truth in the equestrian world: the quest for a better connection with our horses is a journey with many different paths. Exploring the work of Ryan Gingerich, the horse trainer who brought behavioral science to the small screen, encourages us all to think more deeply about the signals we send our equine partners.
