Humanepenning

Home of the Horse Dome

Lesson 101

Humane Penning, with out a hitch. Clinician Ray Field has demonstrated this process many times. It's simple, safe and easy to use.

Be sure to attend one of our quarterly clinics on "Getting to know your Wild Horse and Burro"

Private clinics can be held. Be sure to inquire.

1^{St Step --} Install 2 extra rails inside your working areas. Securing one side to a solid end or corner post. Leave the other end and open at an angle for easy entrance. While getting ready always use a safety helmet if you're not used to working wild-mustangs or burros. Safety First always. This protects you and the horse.
2^nd Step -- After having your horse see this for a few moments, work your horse into the 2-panel area, don't close this yet, let'em get used to the surrounding. (If the horse gets nervous just back away and start over. Never leave the horse on a negative image.) Then ease up and slowly close the other end. Leaving the middle at a bow.
3^rd Step -- After the horse settles down start to approach slowly and from the side so the threat of harm is not present, coming back up on the horse from the rear will scare the horse and could cause harm.
4^th Step -- Once working the horse by poling or by wand, this should help the horse and you both settle into each other. Always keep your hands and arms free in case the horse slides back and forth in the pen. Once you have approach the horse and you can, start to slide the halter or lead rope over its ears down across the eyes and then around the horse neck, do this many time to get the horse used to the feel.
5^th Step -- On the last round of haltering leave the lead rope on the horse and then back off away from the horse. Observe for a moment then approach to untie the end of the pen and let the horse come out on its own. Once the horse is out, (Then slide the panels against the wall), slowly approach the line and pick it up and just let the horse move and get use to the idea of being connected. Work your horse and then we'll show you how to stay connected and communicate with your horse. Lesson 103

While this process may be new to some and old to others, remember that safety for you and the horse comes first. Never risk injury when you can come back another day and work your horse. While we offer many techniques to assist in the learning process, never forget to always leave your equine on and good note with positive reinforcement. This makes the next lesson easier.

Helmet safety can never be emphasized enough. We always encourage anyone unfamiliar to training to use one, be it a bike helmet or equine helmet, please use safety equipment. Especially for first time adopters.

For more on gentling, desensitizing, sensitizing, poling, feeding, haltering, lifting feet, loading, leading, shots, blanketing, saddling plus many more, please contact us.