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
Tag: ground work exercises
Desensitizing Part 3: Tarps
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
Yielding the Shoulders
Yielding the horse’s shoulders gives you greater control over your personal space, and the movement of the horse. Teaching this exercise will move the horse out of your space whenever he pushes into you with his shoulders. Also, you can position him anywhere you’d like during grooming or washing. Continue reading Yielding the Shoulders
Desensitizing While Lunging
This lesson is extremely important as it prepares your horse for the movement and noise of the saddle when he is in motion. Lots of horses are fine with desensitizing when they are standing still, but get worried when you start to desensitize them while they are moving. In this lesson you will teach the horse to accept stimulus while in motion, which will prepare him for your movement in the saddle when being ridden. Continue reading Desensitizing While Lunging