Getting Your Horse Started
Looking for a great way to get your horse started after getting in the saddle? Have a "ground" partner use a lead line to guide the horse while the rider gives leg and verbal cues in harmony with the "ground" partner's actions. Starting with a walk, the rider should cue the "ground" partner when to stop, start, turn, and back up. Once your horse appears to sufficiently understand these cues and acts without prompting from the "ground" partner, begin riding in a round pen. After the horse cooperatively responds to these cues at a walk, use the "ground" partner to teach the cues for the trot. After 10-15 repetitions starting the trot, your horse is ready for one-on-one round pen training.
Using Round Pen Discipline and Exploration
Natural curiosity will encourage a young horse to explore a horse trailer and conquer the fear inherent in doing new things. This training can take place without stress if you will back up your horse trailer to a corral or stall run and remove a corral panel leaving the back door to the trailer open. Place the "trainee" in the corral and leave it alone to explore the inside of the trailer. At your convenience, but before removing the "trainee" from the corral, gently lead your horse into the trailer and back out several times.
Training needs to be an everyday experience, allowing the action to be encouraged by the horse and directed by the handler. Reprimand unacceptable behavior immediately, but not in a fit of anger. Use a three-foot crop to tap at the front feet below the knee. Be very careful to avoid discipline in the areas around the head and sides as these are places where you want to encourage the horse to respond to instruction.
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