Archive for Horse Training
Horse Training Exercises – The Zigzag
Posted by: | CommentsThe zigzag is a series of counter changes performed from the center-line. As the horse progresses in his training, the dressage tests demand more and more complicated movements to demonstrate his suppleness and collection. In the zigzag, the important thing to remember is that each time you change the bend and move in a new direction, you run the risk of losing the impulsion, swing and bend. Only a well-muscled and responsive horse can perform this movement with ease.
In the beginning you need to keep your “zig” relatively small. Ride your first half pass about 5 meters from the centerline, and straighten the horse for a couple of steps before asking for the new bend and the new half pass. In this way you do not make a sudden change, but instead give the horse time to reorganize his weight and to move into the “zag.”
Ride the second part of the movement, the “zag,” five meters past the centerline, straighten, and ask for the original direction. In the beginning, it’s likely you will not achieve four changes of direction as required in the tests. That doesn’t matter. The important thing is that the horse remains calm and that he can shift his weight and bend while maintaining a trot that is full of energy.
Horse Training – Shoulder-In On and off the Wall
Posted by: | CommentsBegin in the walk. Ride shoulder-in on the long side on the left rein; the majority of horses are easier on this side. Come out of the corner with the horse bent around your left leg and ask for a couple of steps of shoulÂder-in down the track. Now straighten your horse and ride two or three steps forward as if you were going to change rein across the arena.
Bend your horse around your inside leg again and ride in shoulder-in position back to the track. Continue down the track for a couple of steps, straighten, go forward two or three steps, and again ride back to the track in shoulder-in.
The most important part of this exercise is to do the entire movement in the same rhythm and balance. When you first try it, you will probably only be able to do three or four repetitions down the length of the arena. Once you and the horse get the hang of it, you should be able to do about ten repetitions on the long side.
When you straighten the horse, you must straighten by using the outÂside rein and leg so that the horse’s shoulders remain in the same position relative to the wall.
With practice you will figure out just what it takes for each individual horse to understand and be quick to answer the aids as you change from one mode to the other. You do not want to belabor the point by using this exercise for an extended period; use some relaxing moments in between the demands made by this exercise.
Once you can manage this in walk, you can progress to the trot and then eventually to the canter.
The Basics of Horse Training
Posted by: | CommentsEvery horse is capable of being trained. However, each horse has individual traits that will result in different responses during the learning process. We may recognize and anticipate some of these responses, but some may crop up unexpectedly. There are too many variables to count on the process going exactly as planned. It’s just a matter of figuring out the best one for you. Start training by mapping out small steps toward achieving your goal. ‘Then break those steps down even further. Remember that your horse’s attitude is more likely to remain cooperative when you work him in shorter sessions and spread the progression of steps over a longer period of time. In the beginning, look for the smallest hint of progress toward your goal and bridge that action. Keep in mind that the action you bridge and reinforce is the action your horse will repeat. For example, suppose you are teaching your horse to load into a trailer. You’re standing at the ramp with him and he bends his knee. I would bridge and reinforce this action because bending the knee is the first step toward lifting the leg, which leads to walking on to the ramp and ultimately into the trailer. In this case, bending the knee is the type of small action you should draw attention to with the bridge-signal.
When working with your horse, never underestimate the importance of standing still. Teach and reinforce this behavior quite often.
If your horse seems slow to learn or quits easily, set him up for success by reducing your expectations and mapping out smaller steps for him to accomplish. Reward each approximation with more food. Try shorter sessions. Once his attitude improves and he’s motivated to try, you’ll be able to move toward achieving your goal. Another situation you may encounter is the horse who tries initially and then stops making an effort. In this circumstance, back up a few steps and slow down while drawing attention to each effort he makes. If you’ve taken these steps and your horse is not improving, terminate the session. When your horse won’t try, he chooses at that time not to be a part of the work session. It may take a few repetitions to teach him the ramifications of your leaving (his opportunity for reinforcement leaves with you), but ultimately he will learn to pay more attention to you.
Don’t let these situations discourage you! They are part of the learning process and you will get past them as long as you are consistent in putting the tools in your arsenal to use. In some of these situations, the horse is testing or trying to control his environment. If he learns that his behavior won’t get him what he wants, he’ll change and stop being obstinate. Once you get your horse in the right frame of mind, his performance will improve.