Calm, Willing and Confident Horses

The round yard is a valuable training tool with many ways to utilise the space. In this masterclass course, I teach you a method of round penning that addresses behavioural issues in horses, helps them gain balance and confidence in all gaits, and develops their understanding of our communication. It also equips you with essential skills in timing and feel that will profoundly enhance your ability to work with and ride horses.

How is Round Penning Transformative?

The round yard and the process of round penning horses are transformative, as they begin with simple tasks that are easy for the horse to learn and understand. Initially, the horse learns to focus on you and move in the direction you ask. As the horse’s confidence and understanding grow, it learns to transition into the gait you’ve directed, make turns, perform downward transitions, and approach you when requested.

The horse accomplishes all this with only the sides of the round yard, your body position, well-timed cues, and gentle pressure to communicate your intent. There is nothing attached to the horse to disrupt its balance or pull on its head, allowing the horse to move freely and unrestrained.

So, what is Canter Therapy?

"Canter Therapy" is a term I coined (and why my podcast is called Canter Therapy Podcast—you can check it out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts). I call it this because I discovered that my approach to introducing and establishing canter in the round yard has profound effects on the horse. I realised this because when I only trotted the horse, the impact was less pronounced. This showed me that canter was key.

But why?

Over time, I discovered why allowing a horse to develop and establish canter at liberty in the round yard is so beneficial.

Firstly, cantering helps regulate stress and physiologically resets the body after adrenaline and cortisol have been released. Canter utilises these stress hormones, which is why exercise is beneficial for anxiety and depression. Additionally, when the horse rests, endorphins are released, helping to relax the body.

Secondly, cantering helps the horse practise and gain balance at a gait they may struggle with or be one-sided in. When a horse feels unbalanced, it can create worry. Therefore, building confidence in canter in the round yard can support cantering under saddle.

Finally, and perhaps least understood, is the positive impact that cantering has on the diaphragm. Canter provides a diaphragmatic workout!

What is a Diaphragmatic Workout?

When a horse canters, the way respiration is generated changes. In walk and trot, respiration involves the intercostal muscles. However, at canter, respiration shifts to being generated by the movement of the hind legs. This connection between the hind limbs and the diaphragm allows kinks and restrictions within the body to release. This is why canter can initially appear messy and uncoordinated. But if you allow the horse to continue, you’ll see a transformation, much of which is happening at a deep visceral level within the body.

You’ll also be able to hear the horse’s breathing change as the diaphragm releases, and restrictions start to ease and improve.

It Also Helps You!

Learning to round pen means learning to control a horse using only your body position, movement, and the timing of pressure from a training stick. While the horse enjoys the freedom to move and balance unrestrained, which builds confidence in its movement, you’ll develop the skill of coordinating your position and movement. This alignment of mind and body helps you stay present with the horse, greatly enhancing your ability to communicate clearly and motivate effectively.

This alignment of mind and body will carry through all stages of my process, from groundwork to riding, with a powerful positive impact on your riding.