>From the ClickRyder list: >>So the sessions are 2-3 hours. Usually he starts walking away toward the end.Which makes perfect sense, he's getting over it. But thats the way its got to be.I mean if we were at a clinic we would be working 6-8 hours maybe. None of what we are doing is really physically tiring. And I think it might be good for him to work through the I don't want to's. One day when we go on a trail ride he might say I'm bored. Its not going to be ok if he just bucks me off and goes home.<<
IMHO I would say that is quite a long session and I would break it down in to a series of maximum 15-20 min sessions. Then build that up a few minutes at a time. Personally I would not continually train any horse (adult or youngster) for 2-3 hours straight (even endurance horses are slowly built up to that and they have breaks - though I am niave on that topic so endurance folks feel free to correct me)....but that is my personal preference and everyone differs in their thoughts. it might not be physically tiring but if he is learning lots of new things, it is probably mentally tiring. Like learning a new math equation for 3 h straight ?! I agree that it would not be acceptable for him to decide one day not to do something and take himself off for a jolly, but duration (of training and therefore attention), like the behaviours themselves, need to built up gradually. If you build everything up slowly, you will not lose his attention and hopefully the debates as to whether he will or will not do something will diminish as his enthusiasm builds. Personally I would hate to have a debate with a stallion and would rather make sure I had his 'buy in' from the beginning. _______________________ Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
