1 POSITIVITY & PATIENCE REQUIRED

“Although this is a simple exercise, with only a few steps involved, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s not a quick fix,” explains Ben. “Yes, your horse may react positively quite quickly, but it’s repetition of the work that will ultimately make him calm in traffic longer term. Do the exercises in the correct order and don’t move on to the next step until your horse is completely chilled with the current exercise.” Patience is a skill that Ben has in abundance. “It’s absolutely key when you’re doing any sort of work with your horse, ridden or in-hand, that you remember his first instinct is always to run away from scary things, so be patient and don’t rush him. Also, stay positive — don’t get cross if he doesn’t get it, or reacts in a way you weren’t expecting. You have to make it a good experience for him.”