Many issues with our equines can stem from missing the three simple foundations of confidence, trust and problem-solving. We often expect that just being with our equines will create trust and confidence but I believe these crucial elements of our relationship are too important to be left to chance. 
 
Gaining trust, is rightly, the desire of so many equine owners; it leads to greater safety and a happier relationship. However, trust has to be earned and this plan sets out in small safe steps to show you how you can create the trust you need for a safe happy equine. On the ground or in the saddle.
Having a clear plan prevents over-reaching the horses comfort zones, avoids injuries or the lost of even more trust. This deliberate detailed plan is the foundation for trust confidence and problem solving. We can expect to see our horses, donkeys and mules grow into the relaxed, confident trusting partners we want.
 
This plan is the foundation work for any equine and if you are starting out on a new equine partnership, no matter the age or experience of the horse, donkey or mule, this plan will guide you carefully to the safe, trusting confident horse you want.
 
Napping, leading issues, spooky, nervous, leading problems, reluctance to load, bolting, reluctance to leave the herd, unpredictable behaviour and so many other problems can be traced back to a lack of confidence in both horse and human. This plan increases the confidence of the handler at the same time as the horse. 
 
Working with obstacles in a way that allows the animal to learn how to solve problems with you, rather than be forced to obey. Working with the key principles of layering and generalisation means that this is the plan that is the gateway to new behaviour, safety and confidence for you both.
This plan assumes your equine if comfortable being touched, can lead well. If you want to use it for building confidence for a ridden equine then you might need to complete the shaping plan for long reining too.