Training and Horsemanship Chapter 34

Objectives Explain the basic principles of training a horse Describe basic horsemanship procedures List basic procedures for showing a horse

Understanding the Behavior of Horses Behavior of horses is based upon survival instincts Horses’ eyes see independently Horses must raise their heads to see objects at a distance Horses must lower their heads to bring close objects into focus

Understanding the Behavior of Horses (cont.) Horses have very good memories Training a horse requires skill, patience, and careful handling Begin training when they are still foals Horses have a banding instinct Horses can hear very high pitches Horses also have a good sense of smell

Understanding the Behavior of Horses (cont.) The rider communicates to the horse through Voice Hands Legs Weight Horses can sense when a rider is secure or is not secure

Training the Young Horse Haltering A foal may be halter-broken when it is only a few weeks old Once the halter is introduced, give positive reinforcements Petting Small amount of grain

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Leading To teach a foal to lead Use a rope tied around the rump and the halter Pull on the ropes to get the foal to move in a forward motion Working with the Feet The foal should be taught to allow its feet to be picked up and handled

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Longeing Longeing is training the horse at the end of a 25- to 30-foot line The horse should be taught to walk, trot, and canter in a circle, in that order

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Saddling Horse must be prepared for saddling several days before it is first saddled Sacking is performed When saddling for the first time, let the horse see and smell the saddle Then, move the blanket on and off the horse several times

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Saddling (cont.)

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Use of Hackamore and Bridle A hackamore can be used in training young horses, to prevent mouth injury A bridle with a snaffle bit may also be used Driving Some trainers ground-drive prior to mounting and riding

Training the Young Horse (cont.) Mounting and Riding Mount horse several times so it will get used to the weight Allow horse to walk on its own for a short time Stop horse with voice command, “whoa” After weeks of training in small area, move to more open spaces Horse learns best at a slow gait

Horsemanship Art of riding a horse Also called equitation Two general types Western English Those wishing to ride must be taught by a competent instructor

Horsemanship (cont.) Mounting The horse is mounted from the near left side

Horsemanship (cont.) Mounting (cont.) Begin mounting by placing the left foot in the stirrup

Horsemanship (cont.) Mounting (cont.) When mounting, the rider pushes off with the left foot and swings the right leg

Horsemanship (cont.) Seat Position Rider sits relaxed in the center of the saddle

Horsemanship (cont.) Dismounting Controlling the Horse The reverse of mounting Controlling the Horse Basic aids used in controlling include voice, hands, legs, and weight Use the reins to teach the horse to turn

Showing at Halter Horses shown at halter are judged for Conformation Soundness Action Horse is led into ring at a brisk walk The horses will be lined up and shown Stretched position or nonstretched position

Equitation Classes Western Equitation The rider wears a Western hat and cowboy boots Rider maintains a firm seat in the saddle The horse is expected to demonstrate a Walk Trot Lope both clockwise and counterclockwise

Equitation Classes (cont.) English Equitation Informal clothing Formal attire is required for evening saddle seat equitation and three-gaited classes Reins are always carried in both hands Rider needs a high level of skill Horses are often more high-strung, animated Rider uses posting

Equitation Classes (cont.) English Equitation (cont.) Horse is expected to demonstrate Jumping A walk A trot A canter, in both directions in the ring

Gymkhana Games on horseback, including Pole bending Clover-leaf barrel race Rescue race, sack race Wheelbarrow race Keyhole race, saddling race Team baton race

Rodeos Horse must be well trained Events include Saddle bronc riding Chuck wagon races Bareback bronc riding Calf and steer roping Bulldogging

Rodeos (cont.) Events include (cont.) Wild horse races Reining contests Cutting horse contests

Trail Riding Trail riding is a popular activity A trail ride may span a few hours or a few days Must prepare for a trail ride and build up endurance