1. Training and Horsemanship
Chapter 34

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

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

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

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

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

26. 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