What Makes A Successful Play Session?

The first play session I had at home with my horses after Fast Track I was a little apprehensive. Could I go out and play with the same quality as I could with Rain in the "perfect environment" of the Parelli Centre? So before I went out into the paddock I quickly brainstormed; What makes a successful play session? ( What do I need to put into place to make it great for my horse and I?)Here is a few things I learnt that I could put into dot points to apply to my future play sessions with all my horses.


-Make it a game...fun!
- Being particular keeps your horses mind, but don't micromanage or be critical.
- Put ten ounces into intention and one into phases
- Have a good neutral to balance consistently fair phases.
- Know your expectation of the task before you ask it,so you know when to release and quit!
- Understand when to apply pressure and when to release because pressure motivates a horse, it is the release that teaches.
- Be a genuine ambassador of yes, not a minister of no.
- Expect a lot, Accept a little, Reward often.
- Be an 'Oh Boy!' person, not an 'Oh no...'
- Truly understand your horses idea first (What game does your horse want to play?)
- Set it up for success (Isolate, Seperate and Re-combine)
- Make a plan but be flexible
- If it is going well, quit! Play for tomorrow.
- Don't be afraid of the reaction in order to find the response but be aware you are not causing a willing partner to be reactive by being impolite.
- Don't ask a trying horse to try.
- Maintain mental connection right from the moment your horse catches you until you slip the halter off.
- Ask your horses permission
-Honour your partnerships strengths, you owe it to your horse.
- Your horse and you hold each other accountable for your horses responsibilities.


Does anyone else have any things that make their play session with their horse fun and successful for the both of you? Feel free to add to the list in the comments section underneath!