Horsemanship Essentials – Clipping

This episode of “Horsemanship Essentials” demonstrates techniques for helping horses overcome their fear of clippers. Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks guide viewers through a step-by-step process using horses with real fears of clipping.

The episode focuses on Kelly Marks demonstrating methods to desensitise horses to clippers. It highlights the common and intense fear that horses can have towards clippers, with examples of avoidance behaviours like running, rearing, and fighting. Kelly stresses the importance of foundational horsemanship skills and groundwork (leading, standing still, backing up) and briefly demonstrates join-up. The core of the demonstration involves gradually introducing the feared stimuli, starting with a stick and progressing to a plastic bag on a stick and then the clippers themselves. The episode explores addressing sensory triggers like sound and vibration and emphasises signs of relaxation in the horse as indicators of progress.

Viewers will see Kelly Marks working with horses, demonstrating the approach-and-retreat method, and gradually introducing the horses to the sight, sound, touch, and vibration of clippers. The episode includes examples of horses’ fearful reactions and their transformation as they become desensitised.

Key Learning Points:

1. Building a strong foundation: Basic horsemanship skills and groundwork are essential for addressing specific fears.
2. Gradual and systematic acceptance training: Introducing the feared stimulus in small steps allows the horse to build confidence.
3. Positive reinforcement: Removing pressure when the horse remains calm encourages the desired behaviour.
4. Understanding sensory triggers: Identifying and addressing specific triggers (sight, sound, touch, vibration) is crucial.
5. Patience and working at the horse’s pace: Acceptance training takes time and requires patience.