Paying attention or getting credit for attendance
Let’s talk about going too slow…
So many people say:
”I don’t want to Futurity because it will blow the horse up.”
“I don’t want to put the pressure on them.”
“I want a long term horse.”
I’ve heard it all. What people don’t talk about though... what happens when you go too SLOW???
•What happens when your horse isn’t challenged regularly.
•When his mind is numb.
•When he doesn’t care.
•When he can aimlessly go through the motions to please you.
>>>This might not be shown in any type of “bad behavior,” but I can dang sure tell the difference sitting on a horse craving to learn and one that’s just ready for this class to be over.
I see this wayyyy more than the horses being blown up.
So because we compare training horses to people here, to put it in perspective... when you were in school, do you remember attending classes that you wanted to be in, and attending ones just for attendance? Classes where you were engaged to learn, and classes you couldn’t wait to be over? It’s the SAME THING.
Sometimes going slower or taking longer is not the answer. Go at the speed YOUR horse needs.
“The hardest part of training your colts is watching everyone else’s.” Go at your own speed. Go at your horses speed. Don’t get stuck on “perfect.” Keep the mind sharp.
In my experience working with horses, striking the right balance in training pace is crucial. While many advocate for slow and steady progress to protect the horse’s well-being, going excessively slow can lead to unintended consequences like mental dullness and lack of enthusiasm. I’ve personally observed that horses trained at too slow a pace sometimes lose their spark—they become disengaged and appear to go through motions without real focus or motivation. It helps to think of horse training like learning in school. Just as students feel bored or unmotivated in classes that don’t challenge them, horses need consistent and meaningful challenges to stay mentally sharp. When training becomes repetitive or too easy for too long, the horse may stop trying, resulting in a lackluster performance in the ring. One approach I’ve found effective is tailoring the training speed to the individual horse’s needs and readiness rather than adhering strictly to a predetermined slow timeline. Some horses thrive with frequent challenges and lessons, while others need a gentler progression—but both need stimuli that keep their minds engaged. Importantly, maintaining your horse's mental engagement isn’t about pushing for immediate perfection or high pressure, but rather about thoughtful progression that stimulates curiosity and eagerness to learn. A horse that’s keen and interested is often more responsive, safer, and develops better skills over time. So, when planning your training schedule or considering shows like the Futurity, remember that avoiding pressure doesn’t mean avoiding challenges altogether. Instead, focus on creating a balanced environment where your horse feels both safe and intellectually engaged. This mindset fosters a healthy, long-term partnership where your horse looks forward to each session—not just attending but actively participating.