Some Horse Groundwork Training

The fundamentals of groundwork are an indispensable component of equine training.

The 2 most imperative issues in horsemanship are the understanding basic equine nature and conscientiously performing strong foundational groundwork. The previous opens channels of communication between human and pony and the second consolidates that relationship. You can’t do a good job with your pony unless you are bonding strongly with it. Groundwork assists you in mastering the subtleties of advanced horsemanship because it gives you essential insights into the personality and character of your horse.

It is critical that both you and your horse enter the pen in a positive mind-set. This helps achieve total concentration on teaching and learning, and it helps achieve total coordination. Neither of you is going to be concentrating much on matters at hand if you’re grouchy. You need to make your groundwork sessions the type of fun that expedites comprehensive teaching and effective learning.

The round pen

Don’t think of your round pen as just another piece of real estate. It’s not a venue to get your pony going around in circles. It is an arena where much is to be accomplished. You use this arena to put your pony through the paces while at the exact same time strengthening your bond with him and yet establishing your dominance in the relationship. This arena helps you and your pony to appreciate and respect each other, and to realize top mutual communication and coordination. It is where you introduce your horse to new thoughts and actions and make him adopt them.

A critical part of groundwork is moving your horse’s feet. The most important teaching tool you can employ is patience, You will find frequently that your horse doesn’t get it the 1st time, no matter how accomplished you are at conveying what you need. You have your way by dint of sheer repetition and tolerance. Keep your cues clear and unmistakable; horses are attuned to body language and pressure application. Ideally, repetition will permit you and your pony to master things to the extent that the desired actions and reactions become automatic.

Groundwork

– Your horse must be comfortable with the fit of his tack and be kept in a happy mood; these issues are absolutely mandatory if he is to take in his coaching well.

– Use less oral and more physical cues, but if you find that your pony likes to hear you prattling on about things in general, give him some conversation without letting it interfere with the training.

– Be consistent in your actions. You have got to make the horse totally sensitive and responsive to your physical cues.

– Pressure is your principal instrument, learn to use it effectively. Don’t forget that horses try to escape pressure.

– Ensure both diagonals are exercised equally by working clockwise and counter-clockwise.

– It is just as important to learn how to spontaneously stop your pony as it is to have him advance on command.

– In a rather subtle way, all endeavours in the pen are a clash of will, and so it is vital that you establish your domination straight away. Your pony will attempt to get the better of you by testing ways of escaping the pressure you are exerting. Be gentle but firm. And don’t forget to reward your pony for everything he does right, more positive reward than negative.

As time rolls by, your pony will awake to the incontrovertible fact that he is far better off bending to your will. When he comes to that realisation, he will be able to also accept that you know what will be best for him.

Be very sensitive to your horse’s body language. Don’t ignore the messages he’s making an attempt to convey to you.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers read more