Whether you and the horse you are working with are experienced, in competitive work-out, learning from a trainer, or alone in your exercises; short-term goals can be a life-saver! In all disciplines and in all situations, working with a horse requires the "herd leader", "trainer", or "handler" = You, to have some, or one short-term goal(s) in mind...
Of course, the number of short-term goals that you schedule during each encounter with your equine partner, should match your skill level and your horses ability level.
Yes, horses also poses different ability levels, based on a variety of factors.
Obviously, young horses will require extensive training and patience along with some small steps as your short-terms goals.
It is important to let the horse absorb the new information, to keep things under perspective.
This will help identify your pace, while increasing their experiences and levels of ability while decreasing frustrations.
It is helpful for the inexperienced riders to obtain some type of lessons, as horseback riding requires intricate knowledge of these animals, which can make the whole experience more enjoyable and safer for horse and rider.
When choosing to employ professional assistance, keep in mind the type of riding discipline you prefer along with some of your preferences in your trainer's style and demeanor.
Since your success and investment is determined by how organized your goals are before you interview for those lessons, plan out strategies according to your intent of obtaining lessons.
Some "older", "seasoned" horses may not have what it takes to endure a great training day.
Sometimes it is due to physical limitations, other limiting situations may arise due to some lack the basic training.
You may even encounter something that the horse needs to be reminded about.
In order for a horse to perform some of the obstacles and transitions that you would expect from a horse that is not "green", it is not a rare case that you will still have to repeat a previous lesson.
Many times, just because the horse is older, or doesn't "spook" easily, or seemingly has plenty of hours under the saddle; you may still run into some "holes" in an older horse's training.
Therefore, your short-term goal for that occurrence, will be taking some backward steps to clear up any misunderstandings.
You can see how your goals will also need to be flexible.
It is one thing, to set out training your horse with a particular plan in mind, but all too often, once you are out there, things can change quickly.
So, it is important to remember that the horse will require that you can adjust accordingly.
It is also best to end on a "good note".
Great trainers know that horses have an incredible memory.
They will remember their last encounter with you sometimes better than you do.
Make them want to see you again and feel good about what you discovered together.
Other obstacles in practice include the tack that you have available.
There are so many choices these days, even experts are finding new techniques and "improved" equipment is worth testing.
It can be your favorite, most comfortable saddle that your horse has finally had enough of and refuses to continue with! It could be the spurs that you are using, or the bit in his mouth.
Shop around, be open to advise and new techniques, as they are arising constantly.
Have fun with it, we can always learn something new - no matter how much we think we know.
Whatever is bothering the horse, they can only tell you in their behavior, or body-language.
As your horse's leader, you must become knowledgeable about how they can understand you and you, them.
Set goals with that learning curve in mind too.
All of your experiences with the horse begins on the ground, before any riding.
At that time, before you are in the saddle and starting with your greeting of the day, you can set goals to earn the respect of your four-legged friends.