Here is a guideline to all of the Basic Groundwork Exercises. This checklist will tell you the order of the exercises, how long you should work on each exercise, and when you should move on or add another exercise. Continue reading Basic Groundwork Checklist
It is a good idea to teach your horse how to clip even if you don’t plan to clip him regularly. If you sell or lease the horse he will know how to handle that experience. Continue reading Teaching Horse To Be Clipped
Teaching the horse to send between, through, onto, and over things allows you to maneuver him wherever you like. It is also the foundation for trailer loading, and prepares him for obstacles that he will encounter under saddle. Continue reading Sending On The Lunge Line
Teaching the horse to back up on cue is helpful for moving him out of your space, positioning him during groundwork or in cross ties, among other things. Continue reading Groundwork: Backing Up
Meaningful lunging is another great exercise essential to horse training. But chasing your horse in circles is not, there needs to be a purpose to all of your training. Continue reading Lunging: Yield The Hindquarters
Anything from classy hunters to speedy jumpers there is a place for nearly all horses and riders who want to try jumping. Unfortunately, jumping can be turned into a dreaded exercise for your horse and sometimes even you. Here I will suggest some tips and exercises that will keep the time you spend jumping easy and successful. Continue reading Groundwork For Jumping
Groundwork is very important, but lots of people over look it. Without groundwork you can’t tell what kind of mood your horse is in each day; you’re taking the chance that he may buck, rear, or spook. Now I’m not going to say that those things are never going to happen they just have a much more unlikely chance that they will when you prepare your horse to be ridden. Continue reading Pre-Ride Groundwork
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