Fundamental Round Pen Concepts
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A wild horse is a sensitive and easily frightened animal. In order for him to
learn effectively he has to make a connection with his handler. If he can relate
and interact with the human who is working him, he can learn that the human
is not a mortal threat. As the horse invests less energy on anxiety, he can invest
more energy towards understanding his situation and how to interact with humans.
Whether you use a round pen, square pen, chute or squeeze, the same concepts apply. The horse needs to be less flight reactive, more observant and be able to mentally process what is going on before the handler applies more pressure and tries to get "up close and personal." In this segment Lesley Neuman demonstrates the basic principles of introducing herself to a wild horse in a round pen using an unhandled BLM mare at Lifesavers' Wild Horse Boot Camp. | ||||
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In the beginning most horses will study a handler from the far side of the pen. Some may feel a need to
run around and blow off stress. Others may "check out," fixating on the ground,
other horses, etc. and pretend the human is not there. The handler's first job is to
gain and hold the horse's attention.
One way to accomplish this objective is to put a little pressure on the mare to get her attention. When the horse looks in, Lesley will back off her pressure and let the horse study her. Pretty soon the horse figures out that Lesley isn't a mortal threat but that she does expect some respectful interaction. |
The horse wants some distance and Lesley can position the horse in the pen as she wants by adjusting her own position.
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Once the horse starts to connect and before the horse starts to figure out how to gain leverage in this game,
Lesley will pick up the drag lead and continue to work the horse. The purpose of the lead isn't so
much to control the horse as it is to reduce the horse's choices; to get her thinking about is in
front of her (visa vis the halter on her nose) and start learning to give to pressure on the lead.
Lesley's objective continues to be to keep the horse mentally engaged and to learn that the most comfortable place in the round corral is with her. |
The horse can handle Lesley coming closer but is ready to leave if she moves too quickly.
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By now the horse's learned instinct should be to face Lesley. She can then ask the horse to give to her
laterally in both directions. This not only develops supple softness in the horse, but further desensitizes
the horse to Lesley's movements at such close proximity. Lesley keeps the horse occupied at an easy tempo
so the horse can stay focused and not self-generate anxiety over the encounter.
The activity stays calm and Lesley applies steady pressure to get a response, releasing when the horse gives to her pressure. One of the secrets here is to keep the action moving enough to maintain the horse's curiosity, but not so much as to evoke a flight response. |
Lesley asks the horse to give to her and can support her "request" by adjusting her body position.
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Once the horse is really getting into the game it is very tempting to reach out and touch her. Many
horses will regard this motion as a threat and you'll set back your progress. The horse needs to initiate
the contact. She may still "scare" herself when she first touches the human, but at least the approach was
on her terms and she'll probably come back.
The two key elements here involve patience and not pushing your luck. Keep the contacts short and leave the horse wanting more. |
Lesley slides her hand up the rope and lets the horse lean forward to investigate it.
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If the horse is comfortable initiating contact with Lesley, she can build on that confidence with
brief, pleasant rubs on the horse's face. The art here is not to over play this contact, but rather to move
quietly and back away before the horse decides to leave. This will help maintain the horse's level
of curiosity.
Some horses prefer their noses handled, others their chins, others their cheeks, etc. So it is important to read the horse and go where the horse seems to want you to go. |
The horse is still checking Lesley out. Lesley will stop while the horse wants more.
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The encounter should end before the horse's attention span wanes. This whole sequence can be
repeated until the horse has little difficulty with getting up close and personal with Lesley.
After the horse can maintain control of her emotions, she may be worked in a square pen,
squeeze or handled in more advanced ways.
Footnote: This horse was started without inducing fear of humans. By her third day at "Wild Horse Boot Camp" she could be approached and scratched by several event participants, one whom adopted her. | ||||
For more specific round pen techniques Click HereTo check out Lesley's video "The First Touch" Click HerePress "Back" to return to the page that brought you hereGo to Case Study SectionReturn to Training SectionReturn to Wild Horse MentorsReturn to KBR World of Wild Horses and BurrosGo To
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