What? The KISS method of horse training? No, I'm not talking about Keep It Simple, Stupid. I'm talking about teaching your horse to KISS. Now, I know this might not be too popular with the cowboys, can't be seen kissing a horse now, can we. But hear me out . . .
I've owned many animals and I teach them all to kiss. It's a way to give affection and build loyalty. But it goes beyond that.
The horse's most basic instinct is fear. When he acts up, he is responding to this instinct. Our first job as horse owners or trainers is to put the horse at ease. Build trust and confidence.
Put out your hand to let the horse smell you, let him know who you are. Pet his forehead and the side of his neck, look him straight in the eye. Touch him, brush him . . . let know there is nothing to fear.
But kissing? Sure.
Before I feed one of my horses or give him something he wants, I ask for a kiss. He puts his muzzle forward and I gently brush it with my lips or my fingertips.
It teaches the horse obedience - he has to lean his head forward in a sign of submission and respect.
It teaches the horse patience - he has to wait for something he wants until he obeys.
It teaches the horse affection - he learns to trust and enjoy the human touch.
It teaches him gentleness - he learns he cannot throw his head around.
Maybe more important, it teaches YOU to always treat your horse with love and kindness, never harshness.
I have the good fortune of being able to work with newborn foals. It's pretty cool to watch them grow and mature. Each day, I enjoy the pleasure of watching them sail through the field, racing to meet me at the fence. They know I'm bringing them food. But while their mothers munch, they are all at the fence, muzzles through the bar, awaiting their KISSes. Then I gently stroke them from top to bottom, letting them know that the human touch is pleasurable and nothing to fear.
Just a little kindness and affection gives a young horse a sense of security. Every task you teach will thus be accepted because the horse trusts you. You'll think you have the smartest horse in the neighborhood.
Yes, you can teach any horse of any age. Older horses with bad habits might take a little longer. The other day I tried the KISS method on an old mare that I was having a hard time catching. I demanded that she stand still (gimme-a-kiss) and let me pet her nose before I fed her. Within two days, I could walk up to her in the middle of the pasture and halter her, no problem.
Horses never forget, but you can make up for the bad experiences with kindness and firmness. They will respond. But be patient. Teach your horse at his pace, not yours.
Please be cautious. Always look a horse in the eyes, watch his body language, and know his disposition. Do not stick your face in the face of a horse you don't know. Never put your head against the side of the head of your horse unless you know the animal very well. Just the toss of their head can knock you down. Remember, safety first.
So, go and start your day with a KISS . . . a horse kiss.
About the Author
Jean Smith lives on a horse ranch in Central California, breeding and training Thoroughbreds. You can find more articles at http://www.totalhorseconnection.com, along with a complete equine directory. This article is copyright (c)2005 by Jean Smith, and may be reprinted in it's entirety as long as this byline and copyright statement is included.
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