In the vast world of horsemanship, every rider seeks a reliable, repeatable system to build a safe and responsive partnership with their horse. Amidst a sea of conflicting advice, one system is consistently referenced by name: “The Method.” For countless equestrians, The Method Horse Training is synonymous with clarity, control, and confidence. But what exactly is this philosophy, and how does it transform difficult horses into willing partners? This comprehensive guide will explore the principles, techniques, and step-by-step structure that define this renowned training system.
The Method is the trademarked training philosophy of Australian horseman Clinton Anderson, the creator of Downunder Horsemanship. It’s a systematic approach designed to teach horse owners how to develop respectful, safe, and enjoyable partnerships with their equine companions. At its core, the program is built on the belief that by establishing clear communication and earning the horse’s respect on the ground first, you can create a safe and willing partner under saddle. Unlike more ambiguous approaches, it provides a clear, progressive curriculum for riders to follow, making it one of the most popular horse training methods today. The goal is simple: to create a well-rounded horse that is as respectful and obedient on the ground as it is in the saddle.
What Is the Core Philosophy of The Method?
The foundation of The Method rests on a simple yet profound principle: gaining your horse’s respect. Clinton Anderson posits that most behavioral problems, from spooking and bolting to refusing to load, stem from a lack of respect. The horse doesn’t see the handler as a capable leader and therefore doesn’t trust their direction.
To solve this, The Method employs a consistent “pressure and release” system. When the horse gives the correct response, the “pressure” (a physical cue from a lead rope, a stick, or the rider’s leg) is instantly released. This release is the horse’s reward, teaching it to seek the comfortable, correct answer. It’s a language the horse naturally understands.
Key tenets of the philosophy include:
- Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult: This core concept teaches the horse to take responsibility for its own comfort. By consistently applying pressure for an incorrect response and releasing it for a correct one, the horse learns to choose the path of least resistance, which is always the desired behavior.
- Groundwork is the foundation: A significant portion of The Method is dedicated to groundwork. The belief is that if you cannot control your horse’s feet on the ground, you have no business trying to control them from the saddle. This focus on groundwork builds a robust foundation of communication and respect before riding ever begins.
- Be a leader, not a friend: While the ultimate goal is a partnership, The Method stresses the importance of establishing a clear hierarchy. The handler must be the confident, consistent leader the horse is instinctively programmed to follow.
The Step-by-Step Structure of The Method
The Method is broken down into a series of progressive levels, ensuring that both horse and handler master foundational skills before moving on to more complex maneuvers. Each exercise builds upon the last, creating a logical path from basic respect to advanced performance.
Level 1: Fundamentals
This is the bedrock of the entire program. The Fundamentals level focuses almost exclusively on establishing safety, respect, and control on the ground. Handlers learn a series of specific exercises designed to move the horse’s body—hindquarters, forequarters, and sending exercises—all from the ground. These aren’t just arbitrary movements; they teach the horse to yield to pressure and look to the handler for direction. Riding exercises in this stage are simple, focusing on “one-rein stops,” steering, and controlling the horse’s speed and direction with clarity. Many find this initial stage has similarities to some wild horse training methods in its focus on instinct and clear leadership.
Level 2: Intermediate
Once the fundamentals are solid, the Intermediate level refines those skills and introduces more advanced concepts. The goal here is to gain more control over the horse’s feet and achieve greater lightness and responsiveness. On the ground, this involves exercises at greater distances, while under saddle, riders learn to supple the horse’s body, develop collection, and introduce maneuvers like sidepassing and shoulder control. The horse learns to carry itself with better balance and respond to lighter cues.
Level 3: Advanced
The Advanced level is where true horsemanship artistry begins. Here, the handler and horse refine their communication to an almost invisible level. The goal is to perform all maneuvers with precision, speed, and feather-light cues. This stage introduces complex movements required for high-performance disciplines, solidifying the horse as a finished, reliable partner capable of handling any situation with confidence.
Level 4: Professional
For those who wish to specialize, the Professional series covers specific disciplines and advanced training topics. This can include everything from colt starting and fixing major behavioral problems to trick training and specific competitive events. It builds on the mastery achieved in the previous levels, allowing horsemen to apply The Method to highly specialized goals. Many professional trainers find this level helps them refine their approach to horse training methods breaking young horses.
How Do I Start Training a Horse with The Method?
To begin, you must first master the initial groundwork exercises. One of the most foundational exercises in The Method is “Lunging for Respect.”
This is not the traditional lunging you might see with a horse running mindless circles on a line. Instead, it is a highly engaged exercise designed to teach the horse to pay attention to the handler’s body language.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lunging for Respect:
- Establish Your Space: Stand in the center of a round pen or arena. Your job is to stay in one spot and be the “center of the universe.”
- Send the Horse: Point in the direction you want the horse to go, step towards its shoulder with energy, and swing the end of your lead rope or training stick towards its drive line (behind the girth) to ask for forward movement.
- Maintain Gait: The horse’s first responsibility is to maintain the gait you ask for (walk, trot, or canter) without you having to constantly micromanage it. If it slows down, apply pressure with the stick toward its drive line until it resumes the correct speed.
- Ask for the Turn: To change directions, step in front of the horse’s drive line, blocking the forward movement with your body and the stick. This pressure should cause the horse to stop, turn inward to face you, and await your next instruction.
- Send in the New Direction: Immediately point in the new direction and repeat the process.
This simple exercise establishes dozens of critical concepts: you can move the horse’s feet, the horse must respect your space, and the horse must stay tuned in to you for its next instruction.
According to our hypothetical expert, Dr. Sarah Miller, a leading equine behaviorist, “The systematic approach of The Method is its greatest strength. By breaking down complex behaviors into simple, repeatable steps, it reduces confusion for both the horse and the handler, creating a clearer path to success.”
Is The Method Right for You?
While thousands have found success with this system, no single method is perfect for every person or every horse. It requires a high degree of consistency, and some find the approach too firm for their personal style. The program demands that the handler be a strong, confident leader, which can be a learning curve for more timid individuals.
However, its greatest benefit is its clarity. It removes the guesswork from training. If you are struggling with a disrespectful or “problem” horse, the clear, step-by-step exercises provide a tangible roadmap for progress. The focus on safety and control makes it particularly effective for building confidence in both horse and rider. If you’ve ever watched a program like rfd tv horse training, you’ll recognize the practical, no-nonsense approach that defines this style.
Ultimately, the method horse training provides a proven pathway to developing a willing and dependable equine partner. By prioritizing respect on the ground and building upon a solid foundation, it empowers horse owners to solve problems, build confidence, and unlock their horse’s true potential. It’s a journey that transforms not only the horse but the handler as well. Similar principles of clear, consistent communication are echoed by other great trainers, including those in the world of jr horse training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the method horse training?
The Method is a comprehensive horse training system developed by Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship. It is a step-by-step curriculum designed to build respect and control on the ground first, leading to a safe, responsive, and willing partner under saddle.
2. Is The Method considered natural horsemanship?
Yes, it is a form of natural horsemanship. It uses principles of horse psychology, such as the pressure and release system, to communicate with the horse in a language it understands. It focuses on building a partnership based on respect and leadership, similar to herd dynamics.
3. Can The Method be used for any breed or discipline?
Absolutely. The foundational principles of respect, control, and communication are universal. The Method is designed to be applied to any horse, regardless of breed, age, or the rider’s chosen discipline, from trail riding to competitive events.
4. How long does it take to progress through the levels?
The timeline depends entirely on the consistency of the handler and the individual horse. Some may spend a few months on the Fundamentals, while others may take a year or more. The program emphasizes mastery of each exercise before advancing, so the focus is on quality, not speed.
5. Is The Method harsh or aggressive?
This is a common point of debate. The Method is firm and clear, demanding respect and accountability from the horse. When applied correctly, it is not harsh; it is simply a clear form of communication. However, if applied incorrectly or with excessive force, any training method can become harsh. The key is to use the least amount of pressure necessary to get a response.
6. Where can I learn more about The Method?
The official source for learning The Method is through Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship website. Resources include training kits, a subscription-based video library called the “No Worries Club,” and clinics.
7. Can I start The Method with an older, problem horse?
Yes. The Method is often used to correct long-standing behavioral issues in older horses. The process is the same: you start with the Fundamentals to establish a new foundation of respect and control, effectively addressing the root cause of the problem behavior.
