Did you know that there are more than one million horse owners in the US today? If you’re one of them or want to be one of them, it’s essential to know how to train horses. You can also check out Simple Horse Life to learn more about horses.
Many beginners make the same mistakes, but horse training can be a straightforward and rewarding process. To help you avoid common errors, we put together this guide to all the best horse training tips! Read on to learn how to do it!
Don’t Rush
Many people want to jump right to the end. They want a strong bond with their horse and to master all the steps and jumps. However, it takes time to build a bond with your horse, and it takes time for both of you to develop the trust and the techniques involved in dressage.
So, don’t be afraid to take your time and fall in love with the process instead of the destination.
Build a Bond
Any horse trainer will tell you the same thing: you need to have a strong bond with your horse to improve trust and communication. Your horse has a will of its own, it’s not just a piece of sporting equipment, so you need to foster that bond.
You can do this by spending lots of time with your horse and giving them a routine. The more repetition and routine they have, the more comfortable they’ll become. In this way, your horse will start to view you as a member of their herd.
In addition, create positive associations with your horse. Don’t push them too hard without giving them a chance to enjoy the simple things. If your horse gets frustrated, you will too.
To make the experience positive for your horse, you need to spend time with them to understand how they communicate and what motivates them.
Start at the Beginning
Before you get to the fun stuff and all the glory that comes from doing dressage with horses, you have to build your foundation. This means groundwork. If you can’t get your horse to respond to you on the ground, they won’t respond to you when you’re in the saddle.
Work on foundational exercises like standing still, leading, flexing and softening, and walking in a small circle.
Desensitize Your Horse
If your horse isn’t used to training with a saddle, it will take time for them to get used to it. They might even freak out the first few times. Build trust with your animal by desensitizing them to the training bits and saddle before working with them.
You’ll notice your horse is more confident and trusts you more.
Train Horses Like a Pro With These Tips
Now you should have a sense of how to train horses like an expert. Remember, just a bit of time and energy can pay off tenfold! Enjoy a happier horse (and a happier rider) by using these tips.
If you enjoyed learning how to train a horse, we have lots of similar tips and tricks on our blog! Check it for more!
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