Habituation, which is used in imprinting, is a bit like a ‘get used to it’ approach, where something is introduced i.e. tapping on the underside of your horses hoof consistently and with rhythm until he accepts it, to prepare him for shoeing. While it is a great technique and handy to use, it takes a certain degree of horsemanship skills and savvy, excellent timing and the recognition of the slightest try to be successful. We’ll discuss habituation at greater length in the coming Levels.
Progressive desensitisation is another technique whereby new things are introduced to the horse gradually over time and is a fabulous one that anyone can use. As the name suggest, you will progressively desensitise your horse over a period of time. In this way, horses can be taught to accept all sorts of situations. By combining your phases, approach and retreat and ‘no yield’ at just the right time, your horse will very soon be able to handle all manner of things.
Use progressive desensitisation to introduce your saddle, swinging ropes, sticks, plastic bags, balls, flags, hoses and running water, being touched all over and inside sensitive areas, horse-floats, stalls, tarpaulins etc. Let your imagination run free.
It’s important with Progressive Desensitisation that you start small and with rhythm, introduce the new thing gradually, build to where your horse’s comfort zone is stretched a little, wait until he relaxes a bit and then quit. Timing and release are the key elements to success here.
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.