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Monty Roberts Equus Online University
Horse Training Video Instruction Program

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• Horse Training • Round Pen Lessons • Performance Horses • Join-Up

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Hello! 100 lessons completed

After watching the videos I noted that while the horse is cantering around the round pen Monty continues to put pressure on the horse by tossing the lunge line and slapping his shoulder even though the horse is doing what was asked. Why is this? Shouldn't pressure only come if the horse isn't doing what was expected?

Rahni (Sydney, Australia)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed

I'm not sure which join-up video you are referring too, but perhaps Monty is sensing that the horse is thinking about slowing down, or turning before Monty is ready for this to happen. Sometimes these things cannot be seen by an observer, but rather felt by the person in the round pen.

Rudi - Pratteln, Switzerland
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed

You are right, Monty is putting a lot of pressure. I think this is part of the general rule of his school to avoid desensitizing at the beginning. When we are working with our own horses over a longer period I think you are right: pressure should be increased only when we ask something to do, with the same idea: preventing desensitization.
Rudi