Posted on

Trailer Loading Method One

Loading a horse on the trailer can be one of the most frustrating experiences you can have with horses. Fortunately it doesn’t always have to be like that. There are many easy, stress-free ways to teach loading the key is to think like a horse. The first loading technique works best for horses who have been loaded into a trailer before and now have a mild resistance to it, or horses who have never been loaded such as foals and yearlings. If your horse has a serious loading problem trailer loading method two or three may give you better results. Continue reading Trailer Loading Method One

Posted on

Turn On the Haunches

The turn on the haunches, hindquarters, or spin which are all essentially the same movement at different speeds, bend, and degrees on a circle. For clarity, I’ll refer to the movement for this article as a turn on the haunches. Training the horse to turn on the haunches benefits all riders and horses. Reining is all about body control, as is dressage, therefore any maneuver featured in these two disciplines will be helpful to all riders. Continue reading Turn On the Haunches

Posted on

A Pattern For Speed and Directional Control

Maintaining a consistent speed and changing directions at the cue of the rider are two basics that all horse should know and respond to. However, many horses will anticipate what the rider wants, or worse completely ignore the rider’s cues. Sometimes cues may be confusing to the horse such as constant contact on the reins, yet the horse is expected to stop when pressure is applied. This pattern will separate specific cues, making the correct response easy and the wrong one hard. Doing so allows the horse to figure out exactly what is wanted of him. Continue reading A Pattern For Speed and Directional Control

Posted on

Teaching Haunches In

Haunches in provides another element of control over the horse’s body. This comes after you have already established the basic cues and can yield the hindquarters from the halt, both with your horse’s neck bent and straight. Haunches in is one of the easiest lateral movements to teach and I like to teach this lesson to my horses first, followed by other exercises like leg yielding and shoulder in. Teaching haunches in is also the first exercise used to start teaching canter departures from a walk. Continue reading Teaching Haunches In

Posted on

Bridleless Riding Part 1

To achieve controlled bridleless riding you must rely on your entire body to steer your horse instead rein cues. To start teaching this, you need to use your legs and seat to cue your horse before using the reins on a regular basis. Even if you never plan to ride your horse bridleless, teaching him to stop and steer using your seat and legs can help you advance and eliminate the need for strong rein cues. Continue reading Bridleless Riding Part 1

Posted on

Canter Departures From the Walk

Transitions between gaits are more difficult for a horse to preform as it takes strength and coordination, as well as a good understanding of your aids. This lesson allows your horse to become more adjustable and collected, adding to his repertoire of cues as well as preparing him for events where this exercise is asked for, such as hunter under saddle classes and dressage tests. Continue reading Canter Departures From the Walk

Posted on

Hunter Under Saddle Training Checklist

hunter under saddleHunter under saddle classes are a great opportunity to create obedience in your horse on the flat. This checklist goes over all the basics, as well as covering a few tips and tricks that will help you place higher and give you both more enjoyment. Continue reading Hunter Under Saddle Training Checklist

Posted on

Is Your Horse Right For You?

Finding the perfect horse is similar to dating. You may have to try out a few different ones before you find the perfect match, or you may stumble upon the right one the first time. Nevertheless, if you are having second thoughts about you and your horse’s compatibility revisit your wants and goals to make sure you have the right partner. Continue reading Is Your Horse Right For You?

Posted on

Correcting Stall Vices

By nature horses are designed to live outside twenty four hours a day, rain or shine. They are made to graze and move almost constantly in a herd environment. When horses are stalled all the time because of cosmetic reasons, are injured, etc they can easily get bored if they aren’t socially and physically simulated and this boredom can translate into stall vices. Continue reading Correcting Stall Vices

Posted on

Tying 101

All horses need to learn to tie safely. No matter what discipline you ride in, having a horse that stands tied in any environment is essential. Knowing how and when to tie a horse is just another part of good horsemanship. Continue reading Tying 101