Introduction to the Seven Games

I realize that I still haven't given an introduction to any of the Seven games that I keep mentioning when playing with Chester. These games are things that a horse can learn and they even use them with each other to some degree. Lots of times we just have these games to give us some type of direction when playing with our horse.

The first three games are known as principle games, where there is a principle behind the game that can be applied to other things used when playing with a horse. The last four are more of Action games, where the principles of the first three are applied together.

1. Friendly Game - Also considered the confidence game, where you help the horse to desensitize to you and other objects. It is a lot about trusting in you and each other. This is where Pressure and Release can first come into play. When you give your horse pressure it "motivates" him to do something and then the release is their reward.

2. Porcupine Game - The principle behind this one is to "Follow a Feel". Pressure and Release is used in this as well. It helps teach the horse to move away from pressure. The four phases are very important in this game. You start off with the slightest pressure imaginable and slowly or quickly depending on the horse get bigger and bigger. These phases are commonly called 1. Hair 2. Skin 3. Muscle 4. Bone

3. Driving Game - The principle is to "Follow a Suggestion". The first phase is to point in the direction you are asking you horse to go. You then raise you carrot stick and start to apply more pressure until they move in the direction you are asking. This is NOT leading a horse! You should at least be aligned with the horses shoulder and not up in front otherwise it is just leading and you are completely in charge and not giving the horse a choice to 'follow your suggestion'.

4. Yo-Yo Game - This game is key in making sure that your horse respects your space. This is a very important game because it can help with keeping you safe and out of harms way. If your horse spooks at something, if he respects you he won't run over you but around you.

5. Circling Game - This gives the horse responsibility. The principle is to Send, Allow and Bring Back. The difference between the Circling game and Lunging is the difference between Engaged circles and mindless cirlces. The horse also has reponsibilty to maintain direction and maintain gait.

6. Sideways Game - This game you use a lot of the porcupine game, but the hip and head move together in a lateral movement. This is unnatural for horse so it truly shows their trust in you. Teaching a horse to move sideways is also good for forward-aholic horses and can help with lead changes and spins

7. Squeeze Game - Horses are naturally claustophobic. This game helps them to remain calm when there is pressure coming from more than one angle. This is very helpful when walking through gates and loading into trailers.

The main thing to remember when playing all of these seven games is to BE CREATIVE! I know I still have trouble coming up with something different to do but it will help you and your horse improve regularly. Ask for advice on different ways to use the seven games or even watching someone else work with their horse is very effective as well. Just don't do the same thing over and over again because soon the Seven Games turn into the Seven Jobs and not far from that the Seven Tortures.