NLP

1002.eng 101 “Violence is never the answer.”
1003.eng “Horses simply do not want to cooperate with anyone that would violate them.”
1004.eng Monty Roberts
1005.eng Greatest Strength
1006.eng Break him, the tough guy said.
1007.eng He’s got to know who’s boss.
1008.eng Tie him up, pull him down, put some sense in his head.
1009.eng He might get hurt, but that’s the risk, it’s only the horse’s loss.
1010.eng Is he mean, or simply filled with fear?
1011.eng Tradition would say it doesn’t matter.
1012.eng Break his will to fight…you hear?
1013.eng Or your body he will batter.
1014.eng I’ve come to learn it isn’t so, this traditional belief.
1015.eng Communicate, and let him know.
1016.eng Violence will only get you grief.
1017.eng Create a path, and watch him learn to partner with our kind.
1018.eng Be fair, and his trust you’ll earn.
1019.eng Be gentle, and a friend you’ll find.
1020.eng Training is not a battle that a man
1021.eng is obliged to win.
1022.eng Learning should be looked upon as a way of having fun.
1023.eng Leave your horse his dignity,and view him with a grin.
1024.eng Now your horse will see it through, ’til every job is done.
1025.eng The greatest strength a man can achieve is gentleness—I know.
1026.eng Cause your horse in you to believe, and your inner strength will grow.
1027.eng Monty Roberts, 2002
1028.eng Why is violence never the answer?
1029.eng # Because it is immoral
1030.eng # It conflicts with Monty’s principles
1031.eng # Prey animals respond with flight and violence only intensifies that response, shutting down learning
1032.eng 102 "Put the needs of the horse first."
1033.eng "Your horse is critical.
1034.eng His needs must be met first, and if his needs are not met, your performance will pay a price.”
1035.eng Monty Roberts
1036.eng Put the needs of the horse first
1037.eng Once a person has violence out of their life and they’ve cleared the decks of all malice, then I suggest that we need to meet the needs of the horse.
1038.eng To further explain that, obviously we need to know the needs of the horse.
1039.eng If a person is going to be successful in the horse world, you have got to decide what you want for yourself.
1040.eng The needs of the horse come before wanting to win championships; wanting to make money; wanting to be successful internally.
1041.eng It is a partnership.
1042.eng Your horse is critical.
1043.eng His needs must be met first, and if his needs are not met, your performance will pay a price.
1044.eng We need to know what that horse considers to be a reward.
1045.eng As predators, we know food as a reward.
1046.eng If we go out and shoot a large animal, we call them trophy animals, us guys, we will take it round to the neighbors and show them what a great-white-hunter we are.
1047.eng It is a trophy.
1048.eng We might even stuff it and put it on the wall.
1049.eng It is a reward for having hunted down this wonderful animal.
1050.eng I am not into hunting any more, and I don’t want others to be either, but nonetheless there is, in our DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid], a factor for considering food a reward, but no blade of grass has ever run from a horse.
1051.eng No horse felt the need to stalk down a blade of grass and kill it, and then eat it.
1052.eng Food is just there, for them.
1053.eng We need to know what that horse considers as a reward.
1054.eng Often times it is just the ceasing of work.
1055.eng Just stopping.
1056.eng Giving them a rub.
1057.eng Getting off their backs, if we’re on them.
1058.eng Walking them around.
1059.eng Walking away from them is a reward, that tells them that you are not predatorial.
1060.eng Think of innovative ways to reward your horse in HIS language.
1061.eng Which is to say, “I like you and I’m not going to hurt you.”
1062.eng Horses are very generous animals.
1063.eng They are ambitious.
1064.eng They have a lot of energy.
1065.eng So they don’t want to just stand around, they want to do things but be careful.
1066.eng Monitor them.
1067.eng Observe them.
1068.eng When they’ve had enough, ease up.
1069.eng Reward them.
1070.eng Stop.
1071.eng Get off.
1072.eng Give them a rub and walk away.
1073.eng Your chances for success will fall right off the table if the needs of the horse are not met.
1074.eng When you meet his needs, then your chances go sky-rocketing.
1075.eng One can’t simply be conceited about it, or arrogant, when the horse meets your needs.
1076.eng The reason that you can not do that, is that you will start to overwhelm your horse, with your own requirements.
1077.eng Study.
1078.eng Learn what he needs.
1079.eng Provide those needs and your chances for success will sky-rocket.
1080.eng What does the horse consider to be a reward?
1081.eng # Food
1082.eng # Rest
1083.eng # Praise and recognition
1084.eng How can you know if your horse remains partnered and has understood your reward?
1085.eng # He will follow you, in follow up, as you walk away
1086.eng # The horse will lick and chew
1087.eng # He will rest a leg
1088.eng JOIN-UP®
1089.eng 201 Introduction to Join-Up
1090.eng "Join-Up is the process of communicating with the horse to create an environment of cooperation.”
1091.eng Monty Roberts
1092.eng Join-Up is a title I have given to the body of work I employ in dealing with horses without violence.
1093.eng To define Join-Up, however, requires a narrower view of the term.
1094.eng Join-Up is that moment in which the horse decides that it is better to be with me than to go away.
1095.eng Join-Up can be achieved with all horses of any age or background.
1096.eng It is as effective on wild mustangs as it is on the gentle child’s horse.
1097.eng The practice of Join-Up is a commitment to a path that two species travel together in search of commonality, friendship and survival.
1098.eng This is my journey, what the horses taught me and what we have shared.
1099.eng It replaced my pain with joy and resentment with a willingness to serve.
1100.eng The process has no time constraints; it has no definable beginning or end.
1101.eng The process does not begin when you arrive at the barn to meet your horse; it begins when you wake up in the morning and exists even as you sleep.
1102.eng Join-Up is a process based upon communication in a shared language to create a bond rooted in trust.
1103.eng It must be nonviolent, non-coercive and can only be accomplished if both partners have willingly entered the process.
1104.eng To gain Join-Up with your horse, it is necessary to step into his world, observe his needs, conditions and the rules that govern his social order.
1105.eng Join-Up between you and your horse heralds an end to isolation and separation of both our species by bonding through communication.
1106.eng It is a procedure that should be precisely followed; there are no short cuts.
1107.eng Join-Up may bring out con flict and perceived resistance or even ambivalence.
1108.eng However, if the trainer is competent, believes in the concept and executes it reasonably well, the horse will respond positively.
1109.eng If you intend to use Join-Up on an untrained mustang or a domestic horse that has not been saddled or ridden, you should practice until competent on safe horses.
1110.eng Working with untrained animals is not for amateurs.
1111.eng The raw horse should be dealt with by people who work with horses on a daily basis.
1112.eng These should be professionals who have had significant experience training horses.
1113.eng It is my recommendation that anyone using Join-Up takes the time to comprehensively study the Language of Equus before attempting the procedure.
1114.eng Without a working knowledge of the language, it is unlikely that Join-Up will be successful.
1115.eng I think the first Join-Up attempt should be undertaken with the assistance of one of my properly qualified instructors.
1116.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1117.eng What is Join-Up?
1118.eng # The moment in which a rider first sits on a young horse’s back
1119.eng # A way to make a horse submissive to his handler
1120.eng # The moment in which the horse chooses to be with you rather than away from you
1121.eng Which of these factors has no place in Join-Up?
1122.eng # Freedom of choice
1123.eng # Force
1124.eng # Communication
1125.eng Which fundamental element in Join-Up sets it apart from other training methods used today?
1126.eng # Join-Up incorporates the silent language of horses
1127.eng # Join-Up is a gentle way to interact with horses
1128.eng # Join-Up helps you assess your horse’s personality
1129.eng Why would you want to do Join-Up with your horse?
1130.eng # To create a partnership with your horse based on trust and freedom of choice
1131.eng # To start your horse in less than 30 minutes
1132.eng # To start every training session on a positive note
1133.eng 202 Orientation to the Round Pen
1134.eng "Learning should be an ever-changing and never-ending process.
1135.eng To keep an open mind is essential.”
1136.eng Monty Roberts
1137.eng Equine Orientation
1138.eng Horses have an innate internal compass.
1139.eng Animals in general will demonstrate a natural orientation.
1140.eng Horses can track themselves back from where they came and know in which direction they are going.
1141.eng I have ridden horses throughout long nights in the wilderness.
1142.eng I can recall often when I was certain that my horse was trying to take me in the wrong direction.
1143.eng I can remember arguments that I had with my horses, certain that I knew more about where we should be going than they did.
1144.eng When I take a horse into the round pen, I move toward the center and face the horse in several different directions, rubbing his head each time I pause.
1145.eng This introduction allows the horse to orient himself, helping him to feel more comfortable in his surroundings.
1146.eng The horse has a directional mechanism so incredible that we human beings have difficulty in understanding it.
1147.eng The horse is far more likely to relax and accept his lessons if he is comfortably oriented.
1148.eng Since the publication of my first book we have received many letters relating stories of horses that took their riders home.
1149.eng Some of these tales tell of quite frightening circumstances.
1150.eng Snowstorms and other harsh conditions will often leave the human less than completely competent to judge the appropriate direction to travel.
1151.eng Horses possess a vastly superior compass mechanism to that of a human being.
1152.eng One lady recently sent us a story about getting lost on a mountain trail ride.
1153.eng She explained that when night fell she became very cold and her hands were so numb that she could not even hold the reins.
1154.eng She was paralyzed with fear as she buried her hands deeply in the pockets of her coat.
1155.eng Under the circumstances, she made the decision to completely trust her horse.
1156.eng Approximately seven hours later, she recognized the ranch headquarters; the horse had safely escorted her home.
1157.eng Once his head was free, her mount used his natural orientation.
1158.eng We should not view this as an exceptional feat.
1159.eng We should understand horses well enough to know that this is something they do quite naturally.
1160.eng Just as we use tracking dogs or homing pigeons, horses too can be used to enhance the human’s limited sense of direction.
1161.eng Monty’s Points
1162.eng # Horses have innate internal compasses.
1163.eng # When taking a horse into the round pen, orient him in each direction.
1164.eng # Orientation allows the horse comfort.
1165.eng # Trust your horse’s natural compass.
1166.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1167.eng Why is orientating your horse to the round pen important?
1168.eng # To let the horse know where 2 o’clock is
1169.eng # To show the horse where the gate is
1170.eng # To help the horse feel comfortable in his surroundings
1171.eng Why is it important for the horse to feel comfortable?
1172.eng # The horse is more likely to relax and accept his lessons
1173.eng # The horse will look at you
1174.eng # The horse will understand what you want
1175.eng In the round pen, where is 6 o’clock?
1176.eng # On the opposite side of the gate
1177.eng # At the gate
1178.eng # Facing the horse
1179.eng Where should you look when orientating your horse?
1180.eng # At the horse’s eye
1181.eng # At the horse’s nose
1182.eng # Around the shoulders/forelegs
1183.eng 203 Release at 2 O'Clock
1184.eng "Only through willingness can true harmony be found.”
1185.eng Monty Roberts
1186.eng Release
1187.eng At this time, I am prepared to release the horse.
1188.eng I unsnap the lead from one of the schooling rings (those attached to the nose rope).
1189.eng It is not critical which ring I use, but it is important to use only one at a time.
1190.eng I often school with the nearside ring for a time, then change to school from the offside ring to achieve a balanced response from my horse.
1191.eng Unsnapping the long line, I step away toward the rear of the horse.
1192.eng I do not allow even so much as a glance toward the horse’s eyes.
1193.eng Taking care not to enter the kick zone, when I am at a point directly perpendicular to the rear flank of the horse, I then go into action.
1194.eng Next, I snap my eyes on the eye of the horse.
1195.eng I pierce his pupils with my gaze.
1196.eng Squaring my shoulders, I cause my body to assume a military stance of attention.
1197.eng I swing the line coils, slapping my shoulders, first one side, then the other, and the horse flees virtually every time.
1198.eng As my student runs away from me, I pitch the long line toward the rear quarters.
1199.eng My intention is to convey to the horse that I am perfectly happy with his decision to flee.
1200.eng My experience has taught me that the horse regards being sent away as an act of discipline.
1201.eng I learned in my early days that the alpha female assumed this role when disciplining the obstreperous adolescent.
1202.eng My body language says, “Go away!
1203.eng Do not go away a little, go away a lot!” I keep my shoulders square with the body axis of my student, and I maintain piercing contact with my eyes on the eyes of the horse.
1204.eng The flight distance of the horse is about 1⁄4 to 3⁄8 of a mile (400 to 500 hundred meters).
1205.eng In a round pen 50 feet (16 meters) in diameter, the animal must negotiate between 4 to 6 laps in each direction.
1206.eng I try to negotiate 4 or 5 laps with my horse moving as swiftly as is comfortable and safe for him.
1207.eng Monty’s Points
1208.eng # Unsnapping the line begins the process of communication
1209.eng # Stepping away, I take care not to enter the kick zone
1210.eng # My body language says, “Go away!
1211.eng # Do not go away a little, go away a lot!”
1212.eng # Eyes on eyes and shoulders square means “Go away!” in Equus, the horse’s language
1213.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1214.eng What position should you take when you release the horse by unclipping?
1215.eng # Step back and away toward the midsection of the horse and outside the kick zone
1216.eng # In front of the horse so that you can see both his eyes.
1217.eng # You shouldn’t move until you snap your eyes on your horse to send away
1218.eng What does Monty mean when he says “Eyes on eyes”?
1219.eng # The eyes of the horse are the windows to his soul
1220.eng # Use your eyes to draw the horse’s eyes to you
1221.eng # Eyes on eyes means “Go away!”
1222.eng What is Monty’s intention when the horse that is released chooses to flee?
1223.eng # Monty wants to tire the horse out so he will do Join-Up
1224.eng # Monty is perfectly happy with the horse's decision to flee
1225.eng # Monty wants to avoid any flight reaction
1226.eng Why does Monty throw the line out toward the horse?
1227.eng # He throws the line to show his dominance over the horse
1228.eng # He throws the line to keep the horse focused on Monty
1229.eng # He throws the line to send the horse away
1230.eng 204 Flight Distance and Turns
1231.eng "Man should have the freedom to choose and so should the horse.”
1232.eng Monty Roberts
1233.eng Flight Distance and Turns
1234.eng The flight distance of the horse is about 1⁄4 to 3⁄8 of a mile (400 to 500 hundred meters).
1235.eng In a round pen 50 feet (16 meters) in diameter, the animal must negotiate between 4 to 6 laps in each direction.
1236.eng I try to negotiate 4 or 5 laps with my horse moving as swiftly as is comfortable and safe for him.
1237.eng I then step in front of his balance point, reverse him, and repeat the process in the opposite direction.
1238.eng Once I have my 8 to ten 10 comfortably completed, I reverse my animal again.
1239.eng Remember, I am still working with my shoulders square, eyes on eyes.
1240.eng The second reversal puts the horse back in the same direction that he traveled just moments before.
1241.eng I have found this to be of some comfort to the horse.
1242.eng He will now be more relaxed.
1243.eng I employ the gestures that reduce the pressure to leave, allowing the horse to slow.
1244.eng I will often put my line in my left hand and open the fingers of my right hand, with the horse circling to the right.
1245.eng Watch the horse at the end of the Join-Up, and realize that nothing negative has resulted from your sending the horse away.
1246.eng It is virtually impossible to draw a horse back to you until that horse is away from you.
1247.eng What I am attempting to do is to set up an environment whereby the horse exercises freedom of choice.
1248.eng The flight animal is quite accustomed to fleeing to avoid what it perceives as danger.
1249.eng In the wild horse herd, it is commonplace for adolescents to be sent out of the family group for periods of time as discipline for unacceptable behaviour.
1250.eng It is a part of their culture, and they understand it quite well.
1251.eng Anyone who chooses to study my concepts closely will realize that I wait until the horse chooses to make a move to leave me.
1252.eng It is at that time that I respond by overtly sending the horse away.
1253.eng I try not to be terribly aggressive in this action.
1254.eng I make a concerted effort to match my movements to the sensitivities of the horse with which I am working.
1255.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1256.eng The flight distance of a horse is roughly...
1257.eng # At the point when your horse no longer runs from you
1258.eng # 1/4 to 3/8 of a mile
1259.eng # Four to five laps going right
1260.eng Why is it necessary to send the horse away?
1261.eng # To let the horse know who's boss
1262.eng # To set up an environment whereby the horse exercises freedom of choice
1263.eng # To get the extra energy out of the horse before you begin a training session
1264.eng How can you cause your horse to turn?
1265.eng # Staying out of the kick zone, step in front of his balance point with shoulders square and eyes on eyes
1266.eng # Throw a line out at his head
1267.eng # Turn away from the horse to give him space to face you
1268.eng Which action will NOT help you negotiate an effective turn?
1269.eng # Turn your horse between 10 and 2 o’clock
1270.eng # Cause the horse to turn away from you
1271.eng # Allow the horse to turn when he chooses to turn
1272.eng 205 Line Handling Skills
1273.eng "Learning should be looked upon as a way of having fun.”
1274.eng Monty Roberts
1275.eng Line Handling
1276.eng Proper line handling is a crucial skill that all students of horsemanship need to have in their toolkit.
1277.eng It determines your effectiveness and ensures your safety in handling horses.
1278.eng Two fundamental elements will help you become proficient in this area: understanding the proper technique and practicing it.
1279.eng These notes are designed to create a roadmap for acquiring dexterity in line handling.
1280.eng The first step when you set out to coil up your line is to take hold near the snap at one end to prevent potential injury caused by the metal slapping against you.
1281.eng With the base of the snap safely in your grip, you can begin to coil the line using a clockwise motion.
1282.eng Your coils can be approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) in length and should be fairly consistent in size.
1283.eng Using a clockwise motion, coil the line up until you come to the tail end.
1284.eng At this point, if you coiled the line up in your left hand, you can turn it around and clip it on your horse, with the tail of the line facing the back.
1285.eng If you coiled the line into your right hand using a clockwise motion, the tail of the line will already be facing the tail of the horse.
1286.eng It is essential to use a clockwise motion as you coil the line.
1287.eng In this way, the loops will feed through your hand easily.
1288.eng They will uncoil smoothly without catching on your hand or knot up into a loop that could trap your foot.
1289.eng As a verification of the coiling procedure, check yourself by ascertaining that the tail of the line is facing backwards.
1290.eng Having a properly coiled line goes a long way towards effective line handling, but you will also need to learn how to throw the line.
1291.eng This can be done with an underhand or overhand pitch toward the rear quarters.
1292.eng Either way, be sure to use a soft but decisive arm motion while keeping your eye on the horse.
1293.eng Virtually all components of horsemanship, particularly those involving the use of equipment, are affected by repetition.
1294.eng Repeat the correct technique of coiling and throwing the line, and you will develop the muscle memory to get the job done quickly, reliably, and with minimal thinking.
1295.eng Stay with it, and remember this maxim: An amateur will practice until he gets it right; a professional will practice until he can’t get it wrong.
1296.eng What is the consequence of coiling the rope clockwise?
1297.eng # You coil the rope in the least amount of time
1298.eng # You’re likely to get your hand caught in the line
1299.eng # The loops will feed off smoothly as the line uncoils
1300.eng Which statement is NOT true?
1301.eng # Coiling counter-clockwise is unsafe
1302.eng # Coil up the rope starting from the tail end
1303.eng # The tail of the rope should face backwards
1304.eng What is the most important step to protecting yourself from injury?
1305.eng # Use gloves when handling ropes
1306.eng # Never put pressure on the line
1307.eng # Keep the snap near your hand when you coil the rope
1308.eng Why is it critical to coil a rope the proper way?
1309.eng # For safety
1310.eng # To do it like a professional roper
1311.eng # To use the same procedures as Monty
1312.eng 206 The Four Gestures
1313.eng "Since horses are flight animals, they react and respond rather than initiate.”
1314.eng Monty Roberts
1315.eng Four Gestures
1316.eng There are four gestures by the horse that I call desirable goals.
1317.eng It is not necessary to achieve each of these gestures, but Join-Up is enhanced if you do.
1318.eng The first gesture you will observe concerns the horse’s ears.
1319.eng The horse will adjust the ear nearest you so that you can see into the open part of it.
1320.eng This ear will remain fairly constant while the ear furthest from you will move, picking up the sounds from the rest of the environment.
1321.eng I believe that this gesture means that the horse respects you.
1322.eng This suggests that you are important in his life though he is not sure why.
1323.eng Remember that you are still assuming your aggressive stance, eyes on eyes, shoulders square, all motions square.
1324.eng The next gesture is nearly always second of the four desired.
1325.eng The horse will come off the round-pen fence, shrinking the size of his circle.
1326.eng At this point, you will often see the neck bend inward so that the horse views you more intently than he did at first.
1327.eng The neck will generally relax and soften compared to its condition early in the flight mode.
1328.eng This gesture means that the horse wants to stop going away and to get closer to you.
1329.eng He would like to negotiate an agreement that would be mutually beneficial.
1330.eng While the third and fourth gestures often switch order positions, I will list as the third gesture “licking and chewing.” In doing so, the horse communicates that he is a herbivore and is eating.
1331.eng I believe this gesture means that while the horse is eating he cannot be afraid.
1332.eng I think he is saying, “We have guard horses on our herds and when a predator is present we must stop eating.
1333.eng We must get our heads high and get ready for the run or we die.” I often notice that the horse will defecate, lightening the bowel, in order to have a better chance of outrunning the predator.
1334.eng The final desired gesture is the horse dropping his head and neck and moving so his nose is just about an inch from the soil.
1335.eng He will often flex at the poll so that the head synchronizes with his pace with a kind of nodding motion.
1336.eng If the trainer finds the horse does not drop his head, he can employ a gesture likely to evoke this response.
1337.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1338.eng Is it imperative that you get all four signs from your horse to accomplish Join-Up?
1339.eng # Yes, if the horse does not give all four signs it means he is not 100% willing to be with you
1340.eng # No, but Join-Up is enhanced if you do
1341.eng # Yes, you can make gestures at the horse to cause him to show all four signs
1342.eng What are the four gestures that Monty describes as relevant to Join-Up?
1343.eng # Ear locked on, smaller circle, drop the head, lick and chew
1344.eng # Ears pointing forward, head turned in, smaller circle, lick and chew
1345.eng # Ear locked on, smaller circle, drop the head, yawning from relaxation
1346.eng Which of the following statements is NOT true?
1347.eng # Dropping the head means the horse is tired of running around
1348.eng # The third and fourth gestures often switch order positions
1349.eng # The first gesture you will observe concerns the horse’s ears
1350.eng How does Monty interpret the gesture of licking and chewing?
1351.eng # The horse communicates that he is hungry and tired of working
1352.eng # The horse communicates that he is a herbivore and is eating, and while the horse is eating he cannot be afraid
1353.eng # The horse communicates that he is afraid of the situation he is in and would like to Join-Up with you to make a herd of two
1354.eng 207 Join-Up and Follow-Up
1355.eng "It is difficult to get it right with your horse until you get it right with yourself.”
1356.eng Monty Roberts
1357.eng Join-Up and Follow-Up
1358.eng To invite the horse in to Join-Up with you, turn slightly to move in the same direction in which the horse is traveling, but no longer have your shoulders square with the horse.
1359.eng One shoulder should point toward the horse’s head.
1360.eng Next, step a fraction ahead of the horse’s balance point, casting your eyes slightly downward and away from the horse.
1361.eng This will usually cause him to halt and look inward.
1362.eng At this point, assume a passive stance, eyes downward, shoulders relaxed and on a 45-degree angle to the axis of the horse.
1363.eng Remain motionless at this 45-degree position, facing slightly away from the horse, not 45 degrees and toward the horse.
1364.eng All movements at this time should be slow and smooth, never rapid or jerky.
1365.eng Fluidity of movement including those of your eyes is critical at this juncture.
1366.eng The mistake of a quick snap of your eye will almost certainly send the horse away.
1367.eng At this time the horse will often advance, walking right up and reaching out with his nose to nuzzle your shoulder.
1368.eng This is the “moment of Join-Up”.
1369.eng It is critical that while in the passive mode you do not make eye contact with your student.
1370.eng You should, however, keep the horse within your peripheral vision to know where the animal is.
1371.eng If the horse feels the pierce of eyesight, he is likely to believe this is not a safe place to be and may even break away.
1372.eng If the horse fails to walk forward, you should move in arcs turning away from the horse and remaining passive.
1373.eng This will draw the horse toward your shoulder.
1374.eng In either case, once Join-Up is accomplished, you should then turn slowly toward the horse and standing immediately in front of him, rub gently between the eyes.
1375.eng Once you have rewarded your animal for his positive actions, you can then walk away and expect Follow-Up to occur.
1376.eng Equestrians would do well to remember that predators never walk away from their prey, so the horse has come to regard this as a nonthreatening gesture.
1377.eng I recommend walking in circles both right and left, stopping every few seconds to rub his forehead as a reward for following you (a positive action).
1378.eng You can walk in serpentine patterns so that the horse clearly expresses a desire to be with you by following your exact movements.
1379.eng How do you invite the horse in for Join-Up?
1380.eng # Turn toward the horse and draw him in by looking in his eyes and walking backwards
1381.eng # Step a fraction ahead of the horse’s balance point, casting your eyes slightly downward and away from the horse with your body relaxed and at a 45 degree angle to the horse
1382.eng # Stop all movement, stay in the middle of the pen and patiently wait for the horse to come to you
1383.eng In what situation would you use ‘arcing’?
1384.eng # To draw the horse to you for Join-Up if he is not coming in to you when you invite him
1385.eng # To bend your horse’s neck if he is not flexible in that part of his body
1386.eng # When you want to invite a horse for Join-Up at a trot
1387.eng Once Join-Up is accomplished, what do you do?
1388.eng # Clip your line on the training ring of the Dually Halter
1389.eng # Pat your horse vigorously on the neck to let him know he’s a good boy
1390.eng # Turn slowly toward the horse and standing immediately in front of him, rub gently between the eyes
1391.eng Which action will NOT cause a strong Follow-Up?
1392.eng # Walking in a straight line with hesitant steps to your horse can easily keep up with you
1393.eng # Walking in circles both right and left
1394.eng # Stopping every few seconds to rub his forehead as a reward
1395.eng 208 Join-Up Session
1396.eng "Each horse reacts to man in a different way.
1397.eng Therefore, every Join-Up is unique.”
1398.eng Monty Roberts
1399.eng Join-Up Session
1400.eng # Violence must have no part in the process of Join-Up.
1401.eng Violence of any kind will destroy the effectiveness of the procedure.
1402.eng A trainer must move through the process keeping the conversation alive, always allowing the horse time to respond.
1403.eng Join-Up is response-based, not demand-based.
1404.eng It should be your goal as the trainer to accomplish all four gestures, allowing him to begin the full complement of communication that will lead to Join-Up.
1405.eng To push the horse on, I make sweeping movements through the air with my arm and extend the fingers in an aggressive manner.
1406.eng The horse appears to consider this a “predatorial” gesture and will usually maintain his position against the fence, as far from me as possible.
1407.eng It is at this point that the horse begins to communicate.
1408.eng To ask the horse to drop his head, you should make the following gestures: first, raise one hand with open fingers and palm toward the horse.
1409.eng The arm, wrist and hand should be rigid at this point and rapidly moving left to right.
1410.eng Then, gradually close the fingers while simultaneously bending the wrist and relaxing the arm and bring the arm downward and toward the center of your body.
1411.eng With the arm relaxed, wrist and elbow bending, and fingers closed, bring your hand across your belt buckle to a point slightly beyond your body midline.
1412.eng This will often result in the horse stopping and dropping his head.
1413.eng I believe that when the horse drops his head, he is saying, “If we could have a meeting to renegotiate our contract, I would let you be chairperson of the meeting.” I do not believe that it is a message of submission, but one of wanting a partnership.
1414.eng It is one more request by the horse for a partnership without confrontation.
1415.eng In my operation, I do the full complement of Join-Up four, five, maybe six times and that is all.
1416.eng Then, you live by the concepts of Join-Up for the balance of the horse’s life.
1417.eng This means when you go into the box stall, you do not just walk in, grab hold of him and pull him around.
1418.eng You walk in, and when he moves away, you look him in the eye, square-up, and move toward him.
1419.eng When he looks back at you, you walk away and let him catch you.
1420.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook: “From My Hands to Yours”
1421.eng Your horse does not do Join-Up.
1422.eng He does not give you the signals.
1423.eng What's the problem?
1424.eng # You haven't run him hard enough.
1425.eng # Do longer sessions and get your horse tired out.
1426.eng # It's not your fault.
1427.eng # You have a horse that does not speak Equus.
1428.eng # Look in the mirror.
1429.eng # You caused the problem.
1430.eng Why does Monty make sweeping movements through the air with his arm with one hand with open fingers and palm toward the horse?
1431.eng # To indicate to the horse when he should turn
1432.eng # To cause the horse to move faster and further away from him
1433.eng # To desensitize the horse to sudden movements
1434.eng What effect does closing the fingers have on the horse?
1435.eng # It encourages the horse to relax
1436.eng # It causes the horse to look at the handler
1437.eng # It causes the ear to lock on
1438.eng How many Join-Ups is it appropriate to do with the same horse?
1439.eng # Start most training sessions with Join-Up for the balance of his life
1440.eng # One Join-Up is all you ever need to establish trust
1441.eng # Four to six Join-Ups with the same horse
1442.eng 209 My Horse Won't Draw to Me
1443.eng "Remedial problems are, in almost every instance, the product of training error.”
1444.eng Monty Roberts
1445.eng My Horse Won’t Draw to Me
1446.eng # Often students will become quite knowledgeable as to the procedures they need to follow.
1447.eng However, watching them in the round pen, I realize that the flow of their movements and the timing of their gestures are out of synchronization with their horses.
1448.eng Often, a student will observe the gesture made by a horse and then walk a few more steps thinking about exactly what to do to execute the transition.
1449.eng By the time he does, the horse is off on another subject.
1450.eng We have had several students in our school that pass the written tests successfully.
1451.eng Later in the round pen, I observe a person who is unable to execute the simplest elements of the Language of Equus.
1452.eng In a case like this, we will try to assign him a young horse to hone his practical skills.
1453.eng I have adopted several mustangs who serve as the greatest teachers available for students who fit this category.
1454.eng If you have the academics down, the likelihood is that you need more “hands-on” time with live horses to perfect your skills.
1455.eng After learning all you can from this website and my textbook, “From My Hands to Yours,” I encourage you to contact my team of Certified Instructors and take a class under their guidance.
1456.eng Which of the following actions would increase your chances for a strong Join-Up?
1457.eng # Looking back at the horse during the invite
1458.eng # Using clear body language
1459.eng # All of the above
1460.eng If you are having trouble with Join-Up, you need to...
1461.eng # Look inward for what you might be doing wrong and then change it
1462.eng # Go back to the books until you learn to avoid making mistakes
1463.eng # Accept that you don't have the gift to work with horses
1464.eng Arcing is...
1465.eng # An application of the concept of pressure and release
1466.eng # A way to draw the horse to you
1467.eng # All of the above
1468.eng Which statement is NOT true?
1469.eng # Making mistakes is part of the learning process
1470.eng # Horses are reactionary animals
1471.eng # Repetition with horses will eventually yield a different outcome
1472.eng DUALLY HALTER
1473.eng 301 Learning to Use the Dually Halter
1474.eng "The greatest strength a man can achieve is gentleness.”
1475.eng Monty Roberts
1476.eng Learning to Use the Dually Halter
1477.eng Work with the Dually halter should be performed on good footing in a safely fenced enclosure.
1478.eng The footing should be a loose, friable cushion of at least an inch and a half and the surface should be gritty with good traction.
1479.eng I prefer to work with the Dually in a round pen of approximately 50 feet (16 meters) in diameter.
1480.eng It is advisable to have a safe perimeter fence more than 6 feet high (approx.
1481.eng 2 meters) surrounding your training area.
1482.eng You should snap the lead into one of the schooling rings (those attached to the nose rope).
1483.eng It is not critical which ring you use, but it is important to use only one at a time.
1484.eng I often school with the nearside ring for a time, then change to school from the offside ring to achieve a balanced response from my horse.
1485.eng You should work to create circumstances so as to intrinsically school the horse not to resist the Dually halter.
1486.eng When your horse resists the Dually, it becomes smaller and less comfortable, and when he cooperates, the Dually gives immediate reward by expanding, and becoming quite comfortable.
1487.eng In all procedures concerning the Dually, it is important to remember to work without anger or violence.
1488.eng Losing one’s temper can cause injury to horse and human.
1489.eng Stay calm, and be safe.
1490.eng If you believe that you and your horse are not entirely safe, you should stop, get information and proceed only when you are comfortable.
1491.eng The Dually halter can be a wondrous tool, but it is only as good as the hands that hold it.
1492.eng I recommend that students work with several calm, non-remedial horses when first using the Dually halter.
1493.eng Proceed with horses who have problems only when you feel that you understand the full extent of the use of this tool.
1494.eng I suggest working with a minimum of 15 older trained and non-remedial horses before advancing to horses that have the potential to be dangerous.
1495.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook “From My Hands to Yours”
1496.eng How does the Dually halter support intrinsic learning?
1497.eng # It causes the horse to be uncomfortable when he is negative and comfortable when he is positive
1498.eng # It gives the handler a way to punish the horse for unwanted behaviors
1499.eng # It teaches the horse to come off pressure by restricting the horse’s airways
1500.eng Which of the following is NOT a pre-requisite to learning to use a Dually Halter?
1501.eng # Learning how to properly fit the Dually Halter
1502.eng # Understanding when to release pressure on the line by opening your hand
1503.eng # Getting experience with some remedial horses so you encounter a variety of training situations
1504.eng In what situation is it appropriate for your horse to wear a Dually halter?
1505.eng # When he is turned out in the field
1506.eng # When he is learning how to load in a trailer
1507.eng # When he is loose in the box stall
1508.eng The Dually halter sends a message that…
1509.eng # You’re the boss and you won’t be taken advantage of
1510.eng # Is clear, concise, immediate and fair
1511.eng # Lets the horse control the movement of his feet
1512.eng 302 Fitting Instructions
1513.eng "The most important piece of equipment in horse training are the hands that hold it”
1514.eng Monty Roberts
1515.eng Fitting Instructions
1516.eng The Dually halter should be fitted so that it is comfortable in all areas of the head and throatlatch.
1517.eng It should be fairly snug, but not tight.
1518.eng The nose-schooling rope attachment should rest on the bony bridge of the nose, not so low as to compress the airways.
1519.eng It has three separate adjustment buckles.
1520.eng The crownpiece buckle adjusts the total length of the halter.
1521.eng The buckle on the upper nosepiece should adjust the size of the halter on the circumference of the horse’s head immediately below the prominent cheekbones.
1522.eng And the buckle under the chin increases your adjustment capabilities at the level of the nose-schooling rope.
1523.eng You should use all of these buckles to achieve a comfortable position.
1524.eng The ring at the bottom of the halter under your horse’s chin is for tying, and for leading the horse when not actually schooling him.
1525.eng The Dually halter does not have a breaking point and this is intentional.
1526.eng It was designed in this way to discourage the user from leaving the horse unattended while he is wearing it.
1527.eng Monty’s Points
1528.eng # It is critical to adjust the Dually properly.
1529.eng # Never tie your horse using the schooling rings.
1530.eng # There is never a reason to reduce the horse’s air intake.
1531.eng # The Dually is only as good as the hands that hold it.
1532.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook “From My Hands to Yours”
1533.eng Which of the following is a NOT a Dually feature?
1534.eng # A training ring on each side of the noseband
1535.eng # Three adjustable buckles
1536.eng # A breakaway point
1537.eng Where should the upper noseband sit?
1538.eng # Immediately below the horse’s cheekbones
1539.eng # One inch or two-finger widths below the cheekbone
1540.eng # Low enough so that the rope part of the noseband is on the soft tissue of the nose
1541.eng How loose should the adjustable nose piece of the halter be?
1542.eng # Loose enough so you can fit your fist though it
1543.eng # Not slack but touching the skin of the horse all around
1544.eng # Tight and secure, pressing into the skin
1545.eng What is the headpiece (or crownpiece) buckle for?
1546.eng # To adjust the total length of the halter and the height of the noseband
1547.eng # It is simply there to put the halter on and take it off
1548.eng # To create pressure on the poll for training purposes
1549.eng 303 Working with the Dually
1550.eng "Make it easy for him to do right and difficult for him to do wrong.”
1551.eng Monty Roberts
1552.eng Working with the Dually
1553.eng When schooling with the Dually, you should use a longer than normal lead rope of at least 20 feet (approx.
1554.eng 7 meters) to enable you to operate at a safe distance from the horse.
1555.eng The post Join-Up work with the Dually halter should proceed until you achieve strong signs of willingness and relaxation.
1556.eng Then, you can move on to accomplish other goals.
1557.eng The Dually halter will help a horse load into a trailer, walk into a starting gate (starting stalls), walk through water, stand for mounting or any other handling problems.
1558.eng It should be noted that the Dually is very effective for schooling a horse to stand for the farrier or the veterinarian.
1559.eng The Dually is an effective tool for long lining using both rings, or even riding with the reins attached to the training rings, creating a type of side pull.
1560.eng It is also an extremely good tool for schooling horses to be shown in hand.
1561.eng While there are many more uses too numerous to list here, the Dually will help you in nearly all areas of forming a partnership with your horse.
1562.eng Overcoming phobias is easily accomplished when your horse is firmly in the learning mode.
1563.eng Remember, adrenaline level up, learning down; adrenaline level down, learning up.
1564.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook “From My Hands to Yours”
1565.eng Which is an appropriate scenario for setting out to work with the Dually?
1566.eng # You have a long line (20-30 feet or 6-9 meters) snapped into one of the training rings
1567.eng # You have a short line (so you can’t trip on it) snapped into one of the training rings
1568.eng # You attach one line through both training rings, as you would do with a lunge line
1569.eng What statement below is a true characteristic of the Dually Halter?
1570.eng # It has a breakaway point for added safety
1571.eng # It gets small and less comfortable when the horse resists it
1572.eng # The training ring can be used to tie up a horse that pulls back
1573.eng Which of the following uses of the Dually is NOT appropriate?
1574.eng # Riding with it in place of a bridle by attaching reins on the training rings
1575.eng # Tying a lead rope to the training ring during transportation
1576.eng # Attaching two lines to the training rings for long lining or driving your horse
1577.eng What is the most important piece of equipment in horse training?
1578.eng # A long line
1579.eng # The Dually halter
1580.eng # The hands that hold it
1581.eng 304 Learning to Lead
1582.eng "If you’re unable to smile while working with your horse, it is likely that you need to improve your methods.”
1583.eng Monty Roberts
1584.eng Learning to Lead
1585.eng You should encourage your horse to walk with his nose at your shoulder by gripping the lead and pulling backward when the horse is too far forward.
1586.eng It is best to allow the horse to bump into the Dually before you pull.
1587.eng He will then regard it as his error and he will accept this self-administered discipline.
1588.eng You should always pull the Dually halter, not jerk it.
1589.eng On the other hand, if your horse fails to walk forward sufficiently, then grip the lead and walk briskly forward directing the horse to advance his position so his nose comes close to your shoulder.
1590.eng You should move about the round pen quickly once the horse has his nose in the proper position.
1591.eng The next step is to walk briskly, then stop abruptly.
1592.eng Most of the time a horse will go forward for a few steps instead of stopping with you.
1593.eng Your leading hand should grip the line and firmly school the horse back into the desired position.
1594.eng The next step is to walk straight forward again, expecting the horse to follow with his nose at your shoulder.
1595.eng Should he fail to do so, the lead rope squeezes and shrinks the Dually, drawing the horse forward into the desired position again.
1596.eng This activity should continue until you can walk briskly anywhere you choose, stop at will, and restart with the horse’s nose remaining at your shoulder.
1597.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook “From My Hands to Yours”
1598.eng What does Monty consider good ground manners acceptable for a horse to lead?
1599.eng # Your horse is relaxed
1600.eng # Your horse should walk with his nose at your shoulder
1601.eng # Your horse should stay at a consistent speed even if the handler changes his
1602.eng What can you do if your horse lags behind when you are leading him?
1603.eng # Ask for forward movement by applying quick jerks on the line
1604.eng # Grip the lead and walk briskly forward directing the horse to advance his position
1605.eng # Turn him loose to send him away for another Join-Up
1606.eng What behavior in the horse regarding ground manners does Monty compare to “upstaging” the horse handler?
1607.eng # Walking ahead of the horse handler when leading
1608.eng # Walking into the back of the handler when leading
1609.eng # Walking across the handlers path when turning
1610.eng What immediate reward does the horse get for coming off pressure and staying at your shoulder?
1611.eng # A natural treat, like a piece of fruit or carrot
1612.eng # Comfort from the release of pressure
1613.eng # A rub on his head
1614.eng 305 Creating the Sweet Spot
1615.eng "Failure is an opportunity to learn.”
1616.eng Monty Roberts
1617.eng Creating the Sweet Spot
1618.eng Having accomplished the procedures described in the previous lesson, you are now prepared to add the back-up to the scenario.
1619.eng I find it effective to walk quickly and halt abruptly, facing the same direction as my horse.
1620.eng At this point, I back myself up passing close to the horse’s shoulder.
1621.eng When I reach the horse’s front leg, I grip the lead rope and school the horse with 3 or 4 backward steps in unison with mine.
1622.eng Next, I walk forward briskly for 15 to 20 steps, and repeat the process.
1623.eng I do this until my horse will back-up with me without requiring tension on the lead.
1624.eng The horse should execute these movements synchronizing his motion with mine.
1625.eng I want him to mirror my body motions to trigger his responses without the need for pressure on the halter.
1626.eng These movements should be accomplished with 2 to 3 feet (approx.
1627.eng 1 meter) of lead line between the hand and the halter.
1628.eng If, at this point, I have accomplished these procedures effectively, I should have a horse who is relaxed.
1629.eng He should be walking with his head fairly low.
1630.eng He should, with some regularity, lick his lips and chew, which tells me that his adrenaline level is down and that he is volunteering.
1631.eng I like to be able to stop at any point during this level of work and rub my horse’s ears and all around his neck and head without him acting nervous or reticent.
1632.eng Experience has shown that if I get it right, I will often have a horse that yawns periodically.
1633.eng I have found this to be a positive sign of cooperation.
1634.eng The post Join-Up work with the Dually halter should proceed until you achieve strong signs of willingness and relaxation.
1635.eng Then, you can move on to accomplish other goals.
1636.eng Excerpt from Monty’s textbook “From My Hands to Yours”
1637.eng Which is the correct positioning of the “sweet spot” for leading a horse?
1638.eng # The horse’s head is directly behind the handler
1639.eng # The horse’s head and neck are out in front of the handler
1640.eng # The nose of the horse is directly at the shoulder of the handler
1641.eng How do you create the “sweet spot”?
1642.eng # By giving the horse a treat when he is positioned correctly
1643.eng # By closing your hand on the line, making the halter smaller to bring him forward or backward of the correct position
1644.eng # By gently tugging on the line with in a repetitive motion to remind him that you are leading
1645.eng Leading from the shoulder of the horse is not advisable because...
1646.eng # You are in a more vulnerable position if the horse jumps in your direction
1647.eng # The horse is leading you
1648.eng # All of the above
1649.eng What is the “Dually dance” that Monty refers to?
1650.eng # A game you play with your horse to have some fun
1651.eng # A foundation for good ground manners that will last a lifetime
1652.eng # A term to describe the horse’s innate desire to synchronize with our actions
1653.eng 306 Standing Still
1654.eng "These ideas work because they are rooted in the natural instincts of the horse.”
1655.eng Monty Roberts
1656.eng Standing Still
1657.eng Training the horse to find value in standing still is fundamental.
1658.eng It doesn’t matter whether it’s for the veterinarian, the farrier or a rider mounting, remaining motionless is a part of reasonable ground manners for every horse.
1659.eng The Dually Halter is the definitive piece of equipment called for in this case.
1660.eng In my concepts, it is critical to have and fully understand the use of the Dually Halter.
1661.eng At the outset, the process of training the horse to stand still is executed by working from the ground.
1662.eng Stop your horse in a safe location (that is, where there is good footing and no dangerous circumstances in the environment) and step back away from him, leaving a bit of slack in the lead.
1663.eng I use a thirty-foot (ten-metre) driving line, and I recommend a minimum length of twenty feet (six metres).
1664.eng Stand simply looking at your horse, and when he moves any foot school him with the Dually Halter.
1665.eng This means tightening the line and using the halter to guide the horse firmly back to the spot where you originally placed him.
1666.eng Repeat this process until your horse stands for twenty to thirty seconds without moving a foot.
1667.eng Having accomplished this goal, step forward, give your horse a rub between the eyes and lead him around in a circle, allowing his muscles to relax.
1668.eng Then place your horse on another safe spot and repeat the process.
1669.eng You can begin to build on the requirements so that in time the horse will stand for three, four or five minutes remaining completely motionless.
1670.eng Making the transition to standing still under saddle is done by using a bitless bridle, if you have one.
1671.eng This will ensure the safety of your horse’s mouth.
1672.eng Sitting on the horse, use the bitless bridle just as the Dually Halter, causing your horse to be less than comfortable when he moves a foot.
1673.eng It is best to rein back during the schooling process.
1674.eng If one is diligent about using the recommended equipment and executing the desired techniques, it is possible to train a horse to stand for very long periods of time without changing the position of one foot.
1675.eng Be careful not to require the horse to stand motionless to the extent that he becomes extremely uncomfortable due to cramping muscles.
1676.eng Be fair with your horse and he will be fair with you.
1677.eng Excerpt from “ASK MONTY: The 150 most common horse problems solved”
1678.eng What are some things you can do to encourage your horse to stand still?
1679.eng # Look him in the eye, shoulders square, fingers open
1680.eng # Look at your horse’s feet and jiggle the line
1681.eng # Take out a carrot and hold it high up in the air
1682.eng Monty recommends that you initially ask the horse to stand still for how long?
1683.eng # 30 minutes
1684.eng # 20-30 seconds
1685.eng # 60 seconds
1686.eng Which of the following is true if you are training your horse to stand still?
1687.eng # It’s not OK for your horse to swish his tail
1688.eng # It is appropriate for the horse to stomp if he has a fly on his leg
1689.eng # By controlling the horse’s foot movement, you control the relationship
1690.eng After asking your horse to stand still for a length of time, how can you communicate to him that it is OK to follow you?
1691.eng # Drop your eyes to the near side of the horse and bring your lowered eyes across his body as you turn away and walk on
1692.eng # Cluck at the horse
1693.eng # Encourage forward movement by swinging a rope at the horse
1694.eng 307 Preparing for the Farrier
1695.eng "If he is about to learn, stay out of his way.”
1696.eng Monty Roberts
1697.eng Preparing for the Farrier
1698.eng Any person preparing a horse to be trimmed or shod by the farrier should take this responsibility seriously.
1699.eng I have seen extremely wild and fractious horses that require a week or more to be prepared for the farrier’s visit.
1700.eng During this training period the sessions might take up to an hour a day.