Horse Training
Latest Feature Articles
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Hiring a Jumping Horse Trainer
Many riders require the assistance of a jumping horse trainer, either for themselves or for their horses. Hiring the wrong horse trainer, however, can prove disastrous.
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How to Switch Disciplines in Horseback Riding
When a rider decides to switch disciplines, the transition can be confusing. However, there are ways to help the horse cope with a new equestrian sport.
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Jumping Grids on Horseback
Starting gridwork is an excellent way to improve communication between horse and rider. However, jumping grids is not as easy as it looks.
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Cool Down Tips for Horseback Riders
Cooling down a horse is just as important as warming him up. Horseback riders should think of the cool down as an integral part of the workout.
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Flatwork Exercises for Performance Horses
Flatwork exercises are just as important for performances horses as training for specific events. Riders should dedicate a few days a week to schooling on the flat.
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Why Horses Buck
Horses buck for many reasons, but it always signifies a problem. Riders must determine whether a bucking horse is misbehaving or trying to communicate something else.
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Benefits of Schooling on the Flat
Jumping is lots of fun, but flatwork is just as important for jumper riders. There are numerous benefits to schooling on the flat two or three days per week.
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How to Ground Drive a Horse
Ground driving is one of the most effective methods of training horses to steer. It creates a safe environment where there is no rider to interfere.
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How to Saddle Break a Horse
Breaking a horse to saddle is one of the most difficult parts of training. However, this is a crucial step before riders can actually mount.
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The Importance of Ground Manners
Ground manners are the foundation for the horse - human relationship. Therefore, it is important for horse owners to start training horses on the ground.
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Basic Foal Training Tips
Foal training is one of the most exciting experiences for anyone who loves horses. Working with newborn foals requires patience, consistency and tenacity.
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How to Mount a Young Horse
Mounting problems abound with green horses because youngsters do not yet know how to behave. Safety is the priority when mounting a young horse.
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Training the Older Horse
Whether it's bringing a horse back to work after a vacation or starting over in a new discipline, training the older horse is a challenging experience.
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How to Ride a Circle
One of the most common frustrations in horseback riding is turning a circle. Riders often have trouble riding even circles while keeping their horses bent correctly.
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Training the Timid Horse
Some horses are more timid and nervous than others. This lack of confidence can be a major impediment to training if horse trainers do not address it directly.
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Giving Verbal Commands to Horses
Verbal commands are often frowned upon in horse training, but using the voice can be a positive aid that horses understand.
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Best Age to Break a Horse
There is much debate in the equine industry about when to start a horse under saddle. So how does a trainer know the best age to break a horse?
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Principles of Natural Horsemanship
Natural horsemanship is as old as the hills, though it has only recently become popular. The principles are very simple and can be applied to any discipline.
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Build Trust Between Horse and Rider
A horse is not just a machine who takes you where you need to go. If you think of your horse as a partner, it will be easier to build trust.
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Dealing with an Aggressive Horse
As with all animals, some horses are more aggressive than others. Horse owners, however, should not tolerate this behavior.
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Training a Sensitive Horse
Unlike Goldilocks, most horseback riders have to try more than just three horses to find one that's "just right". Horses are either too sensitive or not sensitive enough.
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Choose a Horse Training Philosophy
It seems like everyone has a horse training philosophy these days. From O'Connor to Lyons, from Pat Parelli to Sally Swift, how does a rider choose?
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How to Ride with Spurs
Spurs have earned quite a negative reputation, but they do have a purpose. If you use spurs correctly with your horse, you won't do any damage.
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Introduction to Horseback Riding Aids
Horseback riding isn't just about knowing how to control a horse. Aids, whether natural or artificial, improve the riding experience.
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Working with an Off-Track Thoroughbred
An off-track Thoroughbred has very limited experience. He knows only how to circle a track at full speed, so retraining such horses from racing can be difficult.
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