TRT method - discuss with me!

[soloequestrian]

I've been watching lots of the TRT videos on You Tube. I really like the concept and I kind of feel like I'm part way there already with my mare - she was clicker trained from the start so she's got a really positive attitude to learning new things and I've also tried to teach her to react to stressful things by relaxing. I'm nowhere near as efficient at it as Tristan in the videos but I'm wondering if I should try out some of his patterns. Has anyone had a go at replicating his effects without actually following his programme? I'd be happy to buy a book but I don't really want to shell out for his full online programme - I'd rather spend that money on lessons when the opportunity reappears (please let that be soon.…).
So, just interested in experiences and/or views and ideas about the whole concept.

 

[fredflop]

I haven’t bought his programme, but have with another trainer. It’s worth the money, as you will get the full offering.
A book can’t give you exactly the same information as a video

 

[LEC]

I like the TRT method because it links groundwork with under saddle really well which a lot of people don't do so well. I followed YouTube and then did the package when it was on special offer and found it really useful. I would say my groundwork is pretty good but with concentrating on it more I have much quicker and more impactful results with some fairly sharp competition horses. Tbh I would say its worth the money as such an essential skill and lacking in the majority of horses I come across. Its the one thing I have quite heavily invested in for my knowledge and skill set in the last few years. Attending demos for Richard Maxwell, following Warwick Schiller (sadly wont get to see him now with his tour cancelled) and with Tristan. I have happier horses who are able to cope much better with situations they would have freaked at before. One used to not cope in warm ups, another couldnt cope with her adrenaline and the 5yo who can be very sharp came off the trailer at her first competition and took it all in her stride.

 

[soloequestrian]

Thanks, that's helpful. In the series on You Tube he seems to do almost the same thing with every horse - the leading and then the turning patterns. Is that what the subscription package teaches you to do? I'm reading some Andrew Maclean stuff at the moment too and he talks about a similar kind of thing but by using step back and step forward on a very light aid. I'm interested in whether it's the specific pattern that is important or just the idea of teaching the horse to relax when under pressure?

 

[LEC]

Horses are not complicated, we make them complicated. The patterns are the same but different horses have different issues. The package takes you through a horse who does it fairly easily and one who has issues for various reasons. Its all broken down into steps. Richard Maxwell has done a package for £25 with hours of videos but its not quite what I want but might be what you are after.
Ultimately you want to be able to engage and disengage the hind end and get bend through the neck and body. Just like you would under saddle. Tristan makes it look super easy so its an aquired skill.