Horse training methods are as varied as the horses and handlers that train them. They range from strong arm – even brutal tactics – to the opposite end of the scale, gentle, humane and respectful. Clearly, the differences in horse training methods are vast and notable. Ideally, a young horse will have no fear of humans and view being ridden as simply one more new lesson. A properly handled young horse that had adequate ground work will seldom buck, rear, or run away when it is ridden, even for the very first time.

Tradition is the enemy of progressive horse training methods. “Grandpa treated his horses this way and we do it the same,” is the lame excuse that pervades the old school of rough horse treatment. Pain and intimidation have been the backbone of horse training methods for centuries, especially in the American west where horses are highly effective on the vast ranches of the west. Techniques such as snubbing a horse to a post and “sacking them out,” to running horses in mindless circles until exhausted are sadly still alive and well in parts of the US.

Historically, horses were trained for warfare, farm work, sport and transport. Today, most horse training is geared toward making horses useful for a variety of recreational and sporting equestrian pursuits. Horses are also trained for specialized jobs from movie stunt work to police and crowd control activities, circus entertainment, and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

There are many horse training philosophies and techniques and details are far too extensive to describe in a single article. Also, horses have different conformation, athletic potential, temperaments and personalities, all of which may influence what techniques are used. For further information on horse training and specific disciplines, see the Bibliography and the articles below, which cover many of the concepts and different schools of thought on training and handling horses. Some of the horse training methods includes, but not limited to, John Lyons, Pat Parrelli, Tom Dorrance, Buck Brannamen, Sally Swift and Tom Bell.

Whatever level you’re at, learning what horse training method works best for you is an ongoing education. Never stop learning about your passion and strive to achieve a better relationship with your horse.