I like to eventually rely on my legs and seat alone to control my horse. I think it's a fun challenge to advance this type of training! Would love to go bridless one day!
#horse #equine #roanandroaming
Having control of the major body parts of a horse is the foundation to everything. I always teach it on the ground and get a good concept before trying to ask undersaddle. I find that dull horses need more repetition to be responsive, and more energetic horses to be more relaxed. I always start tapping the air, just thinking about the manuever. You should never have to constantly ask a horse to get something in return. Nagging turns a horse sour real quick! Be patient but firm! :)
Have fun with your horse! I could tell she was fresh so we spent a few minutes in the roundpen just playing. No work, no riding.
That canter tho in the beginning ❤️
I'll always love this happy accident moment 🥰
She wasn't listening to leg so I added rein and ended up with a decent spin!
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#roanandroaming #horsemanship #equine #horse #fyp #equestrian
When a horse refuses people tend to go "show em who's boss!" "You need to make that horse..!". Usually that ends up with the rider kicking and whipping out of confusion rather than WHY the horse refuses.
Horses and prey are naturally avoidant and cautious of water. For there could be predators waiting to snatch.
Regardless your horse should trust you with your guidance, being confident in you while also giving the confidence to them.
6 years I've had this mare, she's been in water so many times, but she just doesn't prefer to go in. Even in small puddles.
The way I see it, as long as there is effort in being curious or trying to be brave I'm okay with not completing the goal.
Getting into the water took 2 days. I'm fine with that. There is no rush to MAKE her go.
By taking it slow over a few days and getting her accepting of it, then when I really do need her to go in water she's more willing.
That doesn't mean to baby them either though! You can see in the video she tries to escape the situation by leaving. I simply just redirect her towards what I want, encouraging with my voice and leg. If I allow her to leave I'm showing and teaching her she's RIGHT on not trusting me and that she should trust her own instincts.
I will be patient, but I'm gonna be assertive where I need to be. Then reward!
#horse #equine #equestrian #horsetraining #roanandroaming #rnr #horsemanship
Repetitive Repetition!
If you THINK you've done it enough.. you haven't.
Horses are naturally creatures of habit. The more you do it the better they'll get, being consistent is key. Not just on one session.. but ALL of them. You must build upon it or touch on it every single day. It doesn't have to be perfect or even remotely well performed, but there does have to be an improvement.
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#horse #equestrian #rnr #horsemanship #horsetraining #equine
A horse stopping on its front end feels as bad for you as it does the horse. You'll feel like you're thrown downward while the horse takes all the force and weight on to its two front feet, causing possible damage overtime to their back and legs.
Taking away that front end immediately gives the horse nothing else to stop on besides their backend, encouraging them to plant and engage to slow down.
If you feel like you float for a moment as they engage, give them a moment to rest and reward the stop. I always make it a habit to back a good amount after stopping when first teaching, it shows the horse that they'll need to put that engine in reverse! So they better prepare ahead of time.
No matter if they're a stallion or mare, or just fresh and excited, your horse needs to be aware of you at all times. If I ask her to return to me at my shoulder I shouldn't have to ask twice. People often don't take the moment to redirect the energy their horse has and do a quick correction. If left unchecked I've seen horses completely run over people as they call out for their friends. Take the minute to regain your horse's focus.
A horse ahead of you is losing you. A horse behind you is forgetting you.
I'm big on ground manners! I can tell pretty quick on the manners someone may have with their horse if they hold them by the clip, restricting their movement and not using any training to keep them in tune with you! Work on that connection ❤️
Training to bow or eventually lay down requires a horse to put a lot of trust in you.
This is something I work towards over the years, as my horse advances through training.
Your horse must be okay with hobbles, ropes, and leading by a foot. And must have learned to give into pressure and respect your cues.
Rushing such a trick can frustrate or panic your horse.
I've tried many methods, some of them just upset her like the fly method. (Tapping the horses stomach repeatedly to get them to lie down). I don't want this to be a bad experience, so I change what I do.
What I find best for her is to use a rope (instead of my hand) to hold her foot up while I teach her to roll back her weight. To teach this initially was a 3 week process. I've decided to try and tune up the trick after a few years.
She gets too excited and usually doesn't wait for my whip cue, so now I may do my cue first and then hold her foot up. A lot of horsemanship is learning and changing!
Don't rush things!
Before you work on form, get them soft and responsive. You should be able to maunever your horse with-what looks like-little effort.
No matter what discipline, barrel racing, reining, roping.. the more you add speed the more stiff they get. It's your job to ensure your training reminds them to be supple. 🥰
#roanandroaming #horse
Desensitization under saddle is SO underused.
You should be able to be in full control while you sack out your horse! 🤗
#roanandroaming #horse #horsetraining #equestrian