Patient and Calm

Patience with horses is imperative. Every trainer will tell you that. If you find yourself getting frustrated with your horse it is better to just get off and stand next to your horse for a little while. I am guilty of getting frustrated. My horse (Ana) wouldn't go out of the barn and it was taking forever. When it comes to horses I am usually extremely patient but she was really getting on my nerves. I didn't get off her but I got her out there into a little square pen and I just cantered her around that pen till I wasn't frustrated and she was listening to me. No matter how bad my horse or your horse can be you have to keep calm and patient. Another time was when the owner's grandson, Carter, was riding Santana, a tan colored barrel racer, and he was just really tense, and I could see that it was affecting Santana. I told Carter to relax and loosen up on the reigns. The change in Santana was immediate. He lowered his head into a more relaxed position and started walking calmly next to the fence. Don't ever think that how you feel doesn't affect your horse.