Type Of Horse Training Depends On Desired Outcome

By Leonard Schmid


Prior to being ridden your mount must get used to the halter, bridle, saddle and any other equipment that will be used in the genre it will be trained to participate in. Horse training begins when the halter is placed over the head. It is outfitted with a metal ring to attach a lead rope to. Through gentle urging, he will learn to follow when the lead rope is pulled forward.

The bridle and bit are used to tell the horse what direction to move in and when to start or stop. It is also placed over the head and has reins attached. They are used by the rider to guide the animal. As an alternative to the bit, a Martingale is used. This is a nose band that guides the mount by putting pressure on the nose.

Brush his coat thoroughly paying special attention to the back. Then cover the back with a saddle blanket, a saddle pad and finally, the saddle. Start out using the lightest saddle possible. This weight on his back will be a foreign feeling and might take some getting used to. Speak to him in a soft, soothing voice at the first sign of resistance.

Some breeds start training later than others. The usual time is between age two and four. The Lippizan breed matures slowly and thus, training begins at a later age. It is best to allow the horse with a barcoo bridle to get to know the trainer well before actual riding begins. Some owners, who wait till age two or so, and start right in abruptly, will have a more difficult time of it. The animal, as a result, may develop some bad habits.

These noble animals are trained for many equestrian activities, contests and performances. Some breeds are more suited to one activity than another. The large breeds, the Percheron and Clydesdale are large, husky animals, strong enough to pull circus wagons and stage coaches. They will be trained to harness and driving.

The mount intended to be ridden for pleasure must receive basic training such as reining, responding to voice commands. The Western style riding uses a single rein on each side of the bit. The rider holds them in his left hand and communicates with the horse through them. Whoa is used to say stop and a clicking sound signals the animal to start walking forward.

Barrel racing is a fast competitive event seen in Western horse shows and rodeos. It requires a short, compact mount, usually a quarter horse, that is adept at making sharp turns. Three barrels are set up in a cloverleaf pattern in the arena. The pattern is to circle the one on the right, race across to the second and circle that one. Then race to the third barrel, circle it and race over the finish line.

The rules for this contest are to avoid tipping a barrel over and completing the correct pattern. A mount needs extensive horse training to become competent at this skilled event. First the trainer will introduce him to the arena, the barrels and then gradually start taking him around them at a trot. Over time, he will increase speed. The focus is on making the sharp turns that this compact breed is noted for. The entire process requires years of working together to acquire the skill and speed to win.




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