Training All Breeds
During the first few weeks of training I want to build a foundation through teaching ground work. Basic Ground Training Exercises will take approximately 3-4 weeks on an average 2 yr. old. Older problem horses may take up to 5-6 weeks to change their patterns and attitude. Spoiled or problem horses take longer due to the time it takes to get them to accept training. Stallions can also take longer to accept being controlled and more time is needed to maintain their focus under different situations. The time it takes to teach this initial training, varies from horse to horse, depending on the age, breed, bloodlines, disposition, and the style of handling the horse has been exposed to prior to arrival. This initial training sets the stage for how willingly your horse accepts the lessons in Basic Riding .
1st Month Training
Basic Ground Training Exercises include:
- Leading lesson
- Cross-tie
- Be able to trim hooves with ease
- Sack out with a flag
- To be ponied from another horse
- Eye transitions
- Direct and Drive
- Lounge
- Ground Driving
- Saddling
- Teach your horse to give to pressure
- Back-up
- Disengage the hindquarters
- Pivot on the Forehand
- Pivot on the Hindquarters
- Side Pass
- Basic Ground Training Lessons [ as shown above]
- Change bad habits and patterns
- Teach horse to accept training
- Teach horse to settle into the daily routine
- Ride when horse is ready
2nd Month of Training
- Finish up on any Basic Ground Training Exercises if needed
- Teach "Basic Riding" Lessons
- Walk, trot, and lope on a loose rein
- Stops and rollbacks
- Backup
- Teach your horse to be patient and relaxed standing still
- Introduce Neck Reining
- Introduce Pasture and Trail Riding
- Repetition of the "Basic Riding" Lessons
- Introduce leg yielding excercises
- Side pass
- Leg yield
- Pivot on the Forehand and Hindquarters
- Basics in Neck Reining
- Pasture and Trail Riding