Foundation Training

Foundation training for a young horse is some of the most important training we can give. I feel good about the foundation training program I completed with my 3-year-old, Jaz. I worked with her two or three days a week and during this time she learned a lot: acceptance of a halter, leading, line work, tying, de-spooking and beginning saddle work.

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Bucking And Bolting On The Trail

Safety on the trail is always our first concern. A horse that bucks, bolts or even rears when out on the trail is unsafe for the rider and for anyone who is near. This behavior is not acceptable and training is needed however it is important to understand why a horse would behave this way.

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The Benefits of Using a Round Pen

A round pen can be an excellent tool. It creates a very safe training environment with the round edges, smooth sides and no corners. It should have sides at least six feet high so a horse can get his head over the top of it. Some people work in a square pen but you spend a lot of time teaching the horse to stay out of the corners, which is an exercise in itself. I don’t see the benefit and I think it is a little harder on the horse. Also, the diameter plays a role in its usefulness and I personally don’t want anything larger than sixty feet across. Anything larger and you lose a connection with the animal.

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Leading A Balking Horse

It is surprising to me to see well-trained dressage horses leading from place to place as badly as they do. Leading is such a valuable tool for the connection and relaxation you have with a horse when you ride, especially a dressage horse.  A horse can be well trained, but if the willingness and acceptance are not there the performance suffers and so does the horse.

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Free Lesson In How To Get A Horse To Touch A Ball, Push A Ball, And Roll A Ball On Request

The purpose of my blog is to make a connection with you. I can connect with people all over the world, thanks to the computer, and we can explore and correspond with one another on the experiences we’re having with our horses in our life! I also use the blog as a way, to educate, to raise consciousness, and to use philosophical viewpoints that will lead to a better relationship with horses; for training, partnering, and performance.

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