1. The Hidden Secret of The Circling Game Not every horse wants to go in circles!

2. When you look at the Horsenality chart, it seems that extroverts would be easier to send in a circle as compared to introverts. But that is not necessarily true!

3. It’s really only the Right Brain Extrovert (RBE) that wants to move its feet ‘forwards’. Left Brain Extroverts (LBE) want to move their feet, but not necessarily forwards!

4. Most people lunge (or longe) their horses because that’s often the only way they know to ‘warm up’ before riding, especially if the horse is a little challenging. Unfortunately all it does is exercise the body, but it does nothing for the mind. The Circling Game is NOT lungeing.

5. The goal of the Circling Game is to exercise the horse mentally, emotionally and physically. And you know you’re there when the horse is moving freely forward, is not straining against the rope, and has a positive expression. Remember - this is the goal, the end result. It’s what you shoot for but not necessarily what you start with.

6. This means you need to really know the PRINCIPLES of the Game.

7. 1. Both the horse and human have mutual responsibilities: The horse has to maintain gait and maintain direction. The human has to give the horse the task and then trust him to do it… no matter what is in his way!

8. Where does this go wrong? When the human (YOU): Micromanage the horse by keeping the horse moving (in case it breaks gait), or holding it back (to prevent it going too fast or pulling away). Don’t trust the horse to do what you asked. It’s important to ask… trust… and only correct or reinforce if necessary.

9. Trust… but be ready to correct; Not more one than the other.

10. What’s the secret? The secret is to PLAY the Game… the MENTAL GAME

11. One definition of “game” is “contest”, and the Circling Game can certainly evoke a contest of wills between you and your horse - because you each have to figure out each other’s position in the game. And the Circling Game brings to the fore all the rules and principles of a good game. One where both of you feel like winners. So what’s really important here is the underlying attitude and principle of ‘sportsmanship’. Do you have good game?

12. Got Good Game? There’s only one way to not have good game, and that’s by getting emotional! Like… Frustrated Angry Annoyed Impatient Demanding Inconsiderate If you experience these feelings, its because you are focused on the response rather than the result of the game…. you’re trying to make your horse circle rather than cause him to want to play the same game as you. Hmmm. How interesting!

13. What is “the game”? For the human, the goal of the game is: Can I get my horse to maintain gait and direction on the circle while I stand still? For the horse, the goal of the game is: Can I get my human to stand still and leave me alone?!

14. Until you can see it from both sides, you will not have fun with the Circling Game… and neither will your horse. “What do I need to do in order to keep my human quiet?!”

15. In this case… Responsibility = Be quiet, neutral. Trust the horse to do its job (maintain gait and direction, look where its going), and provide the context or boundary - the size and place of the circle. Micromanagement = Control, interfere, nitpick, correct. Responsibility vs Micromanagement

16. The Power of Neutral When you can stand still and trust your horse to do its part, the relationship changes. You give more clarity, trust and respect… and you get more clarity, trust and respect in return.

17. How do you teach your horse The Game? Show him what to do, then leave him alone. And then allow your horse to ‘make a mistake’ such as: 1.Break gait 2.Change direction If you prevent the mistake, this is called micromanagement. You would be demonstrating a lack of trust as well as a lack of clarity in your expectations of the horse. Don’t get mad, frustrated, angry or impatient, simply put your horse back on track… as many times as is necessary… until he finally understands the goal and finds comfort.

18. How do you know the horse is not clear on the goal? He acts bored, scared or fed up: goes too fast goes too slow changes direction pulls away

19. Be clear on the details of the goal You need to know what you asked for and be clear about what you want it to look and feel like: What direction? What speed? What quality? What expression? If your horse is not doing what you envision, and you stay neutral, there is no reason for the horse to change… he thinks he’s right!

20. Horses get confused when you… Keep changing your position rather than stay in place and do your part. When you keep turning, looking, moving your feet, moving your stick, making unnecessary movements… Learn to manage yourself and your every move - mentally, emotionally and physically because it’s all being communicated to your horse.

21. Try to see it from your horse’s perspective: Simulate with a friend: If you pretend you are the horse, note your thoughts and feelings every time your friend moves their feet or stick, and especially if they keep tracking you as you circle!! You’ll soon learn the value of neutral.

22. Kick it up a notch! The Circling Game should not be boring for you or your horse if you are making it a ‘game’ rather than an automatic or mindless exercise. Here are some ways to make it more interesting, provocative and progressive: faster, slower smaller, bigger transitions, change of directions longer lines, shorter lines hills and dales obstacles, jumps and ditches traveling circles more laps, less laps more than one horse at a time don’t make it your ‘go-to’ game. :)

23. Here’s to more fun on a circle!