| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | be repeated over a period of several days, until the |
| Short horse training tips on how to conduct a | | | | horse gets used to it. Ideally, the new equipment should |
| productive training session with your horse: | | | | be worn while on a lunging line, at first. Getting a young |
| 1. Always start with a warm-up. Just like people, | | | | horse to accept a saddle, for example, should be done |
| horses need a little bit of time to loosen up their | | | | in several stages. First, let him see the saddle. Then |
| muscles and to prepare themselves both physically | | | | just hold it above him, not putting it down yet until he is |
| and mentally for a workout. Lunging is a good way to | | | | not afraid of it anymore. When you first put it on, do |
| warm up your horse. It involves letting your horse go | | | | not put the girth or stirrups yet. Let him get used to its |
| through different gaits, using a thirty foot lead in a circle | | | | weight first, and talk gently to him and stroke him |
| around you. | | | | repeatedly. When he loses his fear of it, then you can |
| 2. Start the training session with something that your | | | | add the girth, and gradually other new things. |
| horse is familiar with. It will help build his confidence in | | | | 5. Finally, all training sessions should end with a cool |
| you and himself. | | | | down period. It is best to end the workouts when the |
| 3. At first, new things introduced should be those that | | | | training has been going well, so it is remembered by |
| are only slightly different from the things your horse is | | | | your horse as a good experience. |
| already familiar with. Knowledge and skills should build | | | | Of all the horse training tips though, the most important |
| up on one another, for training to be successful. | | | | one that you should remember is that your horse looks |
| 4. New things should be introduced very gradually. This | | | | up to you for guidance. If you are calm, comfortable |
| is a very important horse training tip. For example, any | | | | and confident, your training session will surely go very |
| new equipment that is introduced should only be put on | | | | well. |
| for a few minutes at a time, then taken off. This must | | | | |