The round pen can be a very useful tool if used correctly. Other tools like whips, spurs, and bits are all other examples. Like these other tools, the round pen can be used poorly to chase horses around, but in the right hands it can become a place of learning and trust between horse and rider. Continue reading Round Pen Lessons
Getting your horse comfortable with as many objects and situations as possible will create a more confident horse and a greater connection between horse and rider. Continue reading Desensitizing Part 3: Tarps
Now that your horse is comfortable with pressure from your rope and stick it’s time to move on to plastic bags. Exposing your horse to plastic gives both you and your horse confidence. You never know when a piece of frightening plastic will fly into your path while on the trail or in the arena. These lessons will teach your horse that plastic is nothing to worry about and give you tips on how to desensitize him properly. Continue reading Desensitizing Part 2: Plastic
Does your horse get nervous when you are riding; spooking at horse eating plastic and other invisible dangers? Spooking is a natural reaction for horses. They are prey animals with a flight or fight instinct, which means they much rather run away from danger then fight it. Create confidence in your horse by doing some simple desensitizing lessons. Continue reading Basic Desensitizing
Bridling a horse can be tricky if you don’t know the proper steps to follow. Here I will give you some tips on how to bridle a horse if you have never done so, have only done it a few times, or if your horse has a problem with bridling. Continue reading Bridling
Riding patterns are used for almost every equine sport, from dressage to western horsemanship. Even if you only trail ride, patterns will help your steering and your horse’s focus. Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns Part 3
Riding patterns are great for any discipline or skill level. Patterns teach horses to be more focused on their rider and teach the riders precise steering, speed control, and to have a plan for their ride. Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns Part 2
Riding patterns will greatly improve the communication between you and your horse. When you give the horse a specific job to do he will become focused rather than wandering aimlessly around the arena. Patterns are a very important part of training; which keep him listening to you while working on fine-tuning your riding skills. Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns
Every horse should be responsive to all of your aids, but some lazy horses will learn to ignore them. While others will move off, but not at the speed you want. Instead, they will plod along barely picking up their feet. This lesson will teach you how to make your horse listen to your leg, and go forward quickly at the speed you want. Continue reading Teach Your Horse to Be Responsive to Your Leg
In this two part series I’ll continue to describe how horses express their positive emotions through body language and occasional vocalizing. Continue reading Communicating With Horses Part 2