Rest. We often think of resting the horse as a sort of neutral zone, where nothing is happening. But that’s actually not true. Horses learn in moments where there is a release from pressure, and rest periods are just that- a release (even if in the middle of work). They are learning something about where we choose to rest them whether we are aware of it or not. So, we might as well be deliberate about it. How? Here are some ideas.

1. Tie your horse. If Trigger paws or won’t stand still when tied, let him associate the tie rail, wall, or trailer with his time to rest up.

2. Stand near a scary area. This builds a positive association with something previously terrifying, such as a new, moved, or flapping object. For one of my horses, mounting blocks are particularly horrifying because I don’t normally use them, so we hunt them down and rest there. He’s getting much better.

3. Make the rail more of a draw. If you do a lot of circles or patterns in the arena, and your horse likes to drift off the rail because she’s not used to it, cool down by walking along it. She’ll soon love the rail.

4. In the show ring, one of the biggest problems in rail classes is horses who don’t like to go deep enough into the corners. So, at home, rest with their nose stuffed into the corner. They’ll start to just about lean toward those areas. You’ll be amazed at what this can do for your rail classes.

5. Trail train. After a hard arena workout, go walk around outside. This 10-15 minute mini trail ride can teach the horse to associate being outside the arena with a quiet, calm cool down.

6. Sack out. When your horse wants to rest, use it as an opportunity to teach him that fluttery objects such as flags, sacks, and the like are happy things that come out at rest time.

7. Counteract magnets. If your horse wants to drift towards home or the gate, work him there and rest him somewhere else.

8. Get off. When your horse has done something particularly well after a long, hard session of trying, just stop and get off right there. Loosen your cinch, and quit for the day. It makes a big impact.

Intentional rest is what makes good horses! Get out there and use that tired horse to your advantage.