It is a rewarding experience to train your horse.Ground-drive means leading from behind while you are on the ground.In horse training, this is an excellent way to teach them to move.Make sure to take a flexible approach to training your horse.Be aware of your horse's moods and skills.Bond with your horse so that you can work together.
Step 1: You need to get the equipment for training.
You need an enclosure to work in.Your horse can practice going in circles on the reins or a long lunge line in a round enclosure.Pick up any basic saddle and long driving reins.A training surcingle is a band around the horse's chest.They are helpful and inexpensive.There are many rings on a surcingle.You can use your halter on it's own if you don't have one.If you don't have driving reins, any set of lunge lines will work.
Step 2: To control your horse, teach them to yield to the bit.
In order to control and direct your horse, you need them to get used to being on a bit.Put the bit in the horse's mouth.The rein needs to be tied to the saddle.The rein should be taut, but not too tight.The slack should be about an inch.The horse will move the bit around in their mouth in a comfortable position.The method is called tying off.Your horse will grow accustomed to adjusting their own bit.
Step 3: Pick up the reins while standing behind the horse.
Getting your horse used to taking direction from behind is a point of ground driving.It will help them learn to pull later on.You should be behind the horse and off to one side.This will make sure you don't get kicked.Take the reins in one hand and make sure there is enough slack so the horse can move.
Step 4: Cluck the horse forward with a clicker.
The horses respond well to verbal commands.You want your horse to move forward if you make a loud noise with your mouth.The volume and length of the cluck should be the same throughout training.Some people like to use a clicker.You can buy a clicker at a tack store.If you want your horse to move, click it.It doesn't matter whether you click or cluck.
Step 5: When ready, move your horse around the pen.
You may have to touch the reins to the horse's rear when you start training.The signal that they should move is combined with this.You will need to pick up the reins as you progress.Once your horse is used to driving forward, you can work on changing directions by pulling lightly on the reins.Pull on the rein in your left hand and bend your elbow to guide the horse.Keep your right arm straight.When turning right, reverse this.Your horse should not be given too much slack.While turning, keep some tension on the reins.
Step 6: The bridle and bit you choose will affect your horse's behavior.
By the time you start training, your horse should be used to being on the bit.It doesn't mean that all bits are the same.Try different ones to see which one your horse responds to.Some horses prefer a softer bit, while others need a firm bit.A double-jointed bit is best for most horses.
Step 7: Warm your horse up with the lunge line.
Lunging out your horse's muscles will loosen them.Lead them in a circle around the enclosure with a simple lunge line.A warm-up session should last 15-20 minutes.You can practice changing directions during the warm-up.
Step 8: Adapt your training plan for your horse.
It is a good idea to head into the training session with an idea of what you want to work on.Maybe you want to teach something.Like people, horses have moods.Your horse might need to work on something else that day if they are acting difficult or disinterested.If you want to polish up a skill that you have worked on before, go back and work on it.Try to ride a low-energy horse.Next time, you can try a new skill.
Step 9: Clear leadership will make your horse feel comfortable.
Clear orders will let your horse know that you are in control.During each session, use the same clucks and verbal commands.Don't allow your horse to pull you or change directions without being asked.Your horse will feel in control.Give your horse lots of breaks if they are having a bad day.They may need a rest.
Step 10: For the duration of the workout, establish a steady rhythm.
If you want to train specific skills in dressage, you need to be able to maintain the same gait for an entire test.You can warm your horse up by walking, trotting, and cantering.You can ride your horse around the ring several times in a trot.They will be able to find their rhythm with this.
Step 11: You can improve your suppleness by riding in circles.
Your horse will find it easier to respond when they are able to move and follow signals.Place a traffic cone or jump standard in the center of the ring to practice circles.You can ride your horse in circles around the cone.Press the reins against your inside leg as you turn in the circle.As you ride in circles, your nose should be pointed towards the cone.You should spend the same amount of time riding clockwise and counterclockwise.
Step 12: Keep your horse sharp with variety in your training.
Horses can get bored.Find different ways to spend time together.In place of a more focused training session you can take trail rides or practice low jumps.
Step 13: Make sure you are comfortable working with horses.
You need to be confident in your ability to handle a horse.If you are unsure, horses might not follow you.Before training, make sure that you are comfortable with both riding and caring for a horse.If you aren't a skilled rider or handler, that's fine.If you need help mucking out stalls, ask a local stable.You will be more confident when you are around horses.If you don't feel comfortable training your horse, you can hire a trainer or ask a friend to help.
Step 14: Get to know the animal.
Like humans, horses have different temperaments.Spending time with the horse and observing their nature is what you should do before you start training.When someone approaches or tries to touch them, you can watch how they react.Slowly allow the horse to get used to you touching them.They will get used to your voice if you speak softly.It is okay that some horses are more cautious than others.You might have to spend more time getting them to trust you.
Step 15: Measure your progress and set clear goals.
It is important to know what you want to accomplish in the training program.Take some time to write down what you want to teach your horse.You can include things like working on a lunge line.Standing still for a person.There are saddles and bridles.You are allowed to ride them.They are moving into a trailer.