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5 Top Spooky Horse Training Tips–Calming Your Horse

Western Range Rider

This post contains affiliate links to direct you to some of the products that our research has found to be most helpful to your horse riding activities. Your purchases will help us to diminish the costs that we incur in the process of building this site. This helps us be able to keep our site in operation.

Spooky Horse Training Tips

Explaining Spooky Horse Training Tips

In this article I will explain actually the major importance of using spooky horse training tips to make your horse riding safer and more enjoyable.

Bottom line is should be prepared and know how to deal with a spooky horse.

If you look at a horse and a rider, you soon will realize that there is a need for great communication between them.

Know What Your Horse Responds To

You must learn to use the languages that a horse responds to. A horse has very sensitive and mobile ears. Sounds are picked up quickly and easily.

You must always remember that the nature of a horse is either flight or fight. Your horse will act naturally, according to its natural instincts.

Flight can abruptly happen. Many things can trigger the flight response. Don’t let this happen to you as it could be very dangerous for you.

Spooky Horse Training Tips

If you don’t want this to happen, then you need to be in-tune with your ride. You and your horse are a team.
Here are a few facts you should know about your horse. Knowing these will help you be able to read your horse better.

  • A horse sees only in two dimensions. So the horse can be scared or spooked very easily with sudden movements or when faced with different things than the horse has ever experienced.
  • The horse will have trouble identifying what’s going on or knowing physical things well, just by its sight. Be aware of its other sensors being put to use.
  • Items that appear suddenly could be something blowing in the wind. Or maybe a motorized car that makes noise appearing suddenly in the horse’s view. A motocross bike would be another great example of something you come across suddenly that causes it to be scared.

Top 5 Spooky Horse Training Tips

So I have been talking about great teamwork. You and the horse are in sync. But how do you get there?

  1. Learn the horse’s language. Concentrate on its use of ear placement, and realize just how flexible a horse’s ear is. Ear placement can be, frontward, backward, or one ear in each direction. All of these have special meanings to you as they are being signaled from your horse.
  2. Use the horse’s night vision to your advantage. Be aware it can see things you can’t. Trust it and its sudden response of being unsettled.
  3. Be able to spot a swishing tail. This means the horse is restless or angry about something that may be going on in sight, or physically happening to the horse.
  4. The rider learns to control the horse’s calmness by using their voice control. The tone and calmness of the voice can make all the difference in the world. You should have a series of horse calmers for spooky horses in your repertoire. You will experience safer riding if you do have this knowledge and awareness.
    You might be wondering what makes the horse calm. It could it be the tone of the owner’s voice or maybe it’s the words being used? The answer is both. Please remember a calm lower toned, clear voice will ease the horse into a calm state. Usually repeating a calming word phrase will be helpful to the horse. It knows everything is all right. Nothing to run from, Just Calmness. That’s where you want to be.
  5. Feeding the horse a snack that it really enjoys. Such as always having a supply of hay nearby can help you avoid further irritation with your horse. The use of hay, feeding it small hand fulls at a time with a calm conversation will work wonders. Again settling the horse into familiar situations is a calming effect for a spooky horse.

2 BONUS CONCEPTS

Two of the techniques used by some horse trainers are called the 300-Peck Pigeon Method and the head down method. Horses are known to be ones who lift up their head, the more in the air the more upset they are getting.

Getting used to the fact that the more the head is lifted up, probably the more upset the horse is. Then you can use the 300 Peck Pigeon Method and the head down method to full effect to keep your horse calm.

Clicker Training for Your HorseClicker Training for Your HorseClicker Training for Your Horse

I would like to share a podcast by Equoisity the goes into detail about using the 300 peck pigeon training method to calm down your spooky horse, a great spooky horse training tip you can use on your horse.

Equiosity Episode 49: “300-Peck Pigeon” Horses This podcast is done by Alexandra Kurland.

Might I suggest an excellent training book on the Clicker Training Method by Alexandra? It is featured on Amazon.com. ⏩⏩⏩⏩

You may take a look at it as a great resource to help you out with clicker training if you are curious about this form of calmness training for horses.

As a horse trainer, you should not panic. You should be calm in order to calm your horse.

You need to know how to deal with a spooky horse. When you look at your horse try to wear a smile of contentment, not a frown. The horse will feed off your demeanor.

Keep your posture non-threatening always try to avoid abrupt movements. This shows your horse that you’re not bothered by his movements of being unsettled.

You can tell your horse to lower its head or you can rub the neck and withers. No one can refuse a great relaxing rubdown, not even your horse.


If You Learn Better From Pictures

The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in PicturesThe Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in PicturesThe Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures

In researching Alexandra for this post, I discovered what I know would be a great companion for the above mentioned Clicker Training For Your Horse.

Ms. Kurland has also published the same training, but this time it is expressed in a book with over 600 photos.

In The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures by Alexandra Kurland, you will be guided by pictures to the exact moments to click for the most effective results in training your horse.

The book takes you from the basics up through the most comprehensive and complete training for your horse. The Clicker method has never been explained completely and thoroughly. I don’t think you can get lost in this exact training guide.

So if you learn better through pictures as I do, this is a great tool to have in your training library.

Where To Get A Clicker

EcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-PackEcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-PackEcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-Pack

You may also find it helpful to include a clicker in your tools. I found this most sought after Dog Clicker which will work very well for your horse clicker training.

With this product on Amazon, you will get a 4 pack of these dog clickers.

They are multicolored and are very highly rated for satisfaction by customers and purchasers of the clickers.

You will also receive each clicker on an elastic wrist band for easy peace of mind keeping.

Read More About Training Both Horse and Rider-View Related Posts Below

6 Basic Steps of Western Horse Riding Lessons

Western horse riding lessons are needed if you are going to ride a horse safely. You need to really enjoy the ride as well. Horses can be a great recreational activity. Follow me as I go through 6 basic steps of the lessons that you really should take.
The Beginner’s Guide to How to Ride a Horse Western Style
The beginner’s guide to how to ride a horse western style is a detailed report on basics that you need to know. I cover many different areas that a new horse rider should be informed of. So differences between western riding and English riding are pointed out.

Understanding the Difference Between English and Western Riding

Western Range Rider

This post contains affiliate links to direct you to some of the products that our research has found to be most helpful to your horse riding activities. Your purchases will help us to diminish the costs that we incur in the process of building this site. This helps us be able to keep our site in operation.

Why You Need To Know the Difference Between English and Western Riding

Difference Between English and Western RidingWhen You first become interested in a horse and riding, you will need to make a choice of which horse riding style you wish to pursue.

There is a difference between English riding and Western Riding. You will need to know how English riding vs Western Riding is. Then you will be able to make a much better, informed decision.

Difference Between English and Western Riding

Learning to ride a horse means learning the different riding styles that are available. When people are new to riding horses, they often wonder about the difference between English and western riding.

These riding styles have their differences and similarities and one is really no more difficult than the other to learn. With this information, new riders can better understand the similarities and what makes each of these riding styles unique.

Riding Style History: English Riding & Western Style Riding

I am of the strong belief that if you are trying to understand anything, or anyone, you get history on it or them. Until then it’s a crapshoot. Your information could be slanted as sub-standard or lacking.

It could be looked at as bigoted, or small-minded as well if it’s your view on a person.

So since we are talking about a riding style for the horse the first description might fit better. I believe you will be much better informed to make a proper riding style decision if you have a clear picture of what the history looks like for both styles.

English Riding

The English style of riding started in England and the European area of the world. This style is much more a horse, man type of communication type of riding. This style is used more for fox runs, dressage, and horse event jumping and riding competitions.

It uses a small saddle. With this in mind, the horse can feel much more of how the person riding it. The rider is trying to control or ride it with directives.

If you are of an undisciplined riding control patterns then you will have a mixed up horse and I am, sure your ride may be unsafe as well as not enjoyable.

Horse and man, or woman and horse, it is the relationship that makes a tremendous difference in the English style of riding.

Western Style

Western-style horse riding was developed in the western plains of the United States and the pampas(the large flat surface) grasslands of Argentina, in South America.

Gauchos Riding Western Style
Gauchos Riding Western Style

The intention here was that the horses were being used for long periods of time by cowboys here in the United States and gauchos in Argentina. Also, it is used by ranchers in Southern Canada and in Australia as well.

They were using the horses for ranching duties and a long day in the saddle leads to the development of a larger, more comfortable saddle.

Thus western style riding does not require as much body control from the rider. This makes western style very popular and easier to achieve great results with than the English style of riding.

The Main Difference Lies in the Tack

When attempting to gain an understanding of English vs western riding, one of the first considerations is the type of tack that is used.

The type of tack presents the main difference in the two styles and sets them apart from one another.

The western saddle is larger and

billy cook paycheck supreme saddle
Billy Cook Western Style Saddle

it covers more area of the horse’s back. It is also much heavier than an English saddle.

The western saddle was designed to evenly distribute the weight of the rider across the expanse of the horse’s back for a greater level of comfort for the horse.

The western saddle was meant to provide a more comfortable ride for horses spending long days on the ranch.

In direct contrast with the western saddle, the English saddle is much lighter in weight and smaller. A smaller saddle allows the rider to have a greater level of contact with the horse’s back.

This type of saddle is meant to provide comfort for both the horse and rider, ensuring the horse’s movements are not impeded by the saddle.

Some riders believe English saddles allow for more intuitive interaction with the horse.

English Style Riding Saddle
English Style Riding Saddle

The style of saddle is a primary difference between English and western riding, but there are also other differences, such as riding style, that set these two types of styles apart.

Understanding these differences will help new riders to be able to decide which one will be preferable for them.

The Differences in Riding Styles

For new riders, it can be a bit confusing understanding western riding vs English riding. There are some slight differences in riding styles, but there are also some similarities.

English Riding Vs Western Riding
English Riding Style

In both riding styles, the rider should always sit up tall and straight.

Slumping or leaning places undue pressure on the horse’s back and can lead to pain and problems with the horse’s natural gait.

Aside from the posture being the same, there are some aspects that create a difference between English and western riding.

English

The English style of riding has the rider taking the reins in both hands. The rider has contact with the horse’s mouth via the reins and directs them accordingly.

An English-style rider also uses the saddle and their legs to direct the horse. These are used to control the speed and direction of the horse so the rider remains in control at all times.

Western

Western styles of riding involve the rider placing both of the reins in one hand. This leaves the other hand available for roping cattle. In western riding, the rider uses the saddle, their weight, and the reins on the neck to control the horse’s speed and direction.

WESTERN STYLE RIDING
Western Style Riding

With English or western riding, the horse and rider work as a team, complimenting one another’s moves and intuitively responding to the cues given by both.

Conclusion

If you are new to horse riding, the above information should help you understand what is the difference between western and English riding.

Many new riders try both before deciding which riding style feels most natural to them. Mastering either riding style is not difficult as long as the rider is in tune with their horse and develops a relationship of trust and respect.

In fact, many top trainers of horseback riding will start their students on the English type of riding.

This is done because they figure the lack of saddle and needing to use more of the rider’s body to control the horse will make it just that much easier to switch to western style riding.

Basically, master the more difficult of the two and the lesser will be much easier to accomplish when you are wanting to switch.

Read More About Horseback Riding and The Riding Styles-View Related Posts Below

Horseback Riding Lessons For Kids-What to Expect For a Child
Consider horseback riding lessons for kids as an alternative fun activity for your kids. You can get started today. read about it in this informative post for the parents of today’s seemingly always bored kids. Horseback riding lessons could be a godsend for you.
How to Turn A Horse Some Notes to Improve the Ride
Learning how to turn a horse is a vital riding skill. If you have teamwork, your ride will be much safer. Learn to move your horse in another direction.

6 Basic Steps of Western Horse Riding Lessons

Western Range Rider

This post contains affiliate links to direct you to some of the products that our research has found to be most helpful to your horse riding activities. Your purchases will help us to diminish the costs that we incur in the process of building this site. This helps us be able to keep our site in operation.

Western Horse Riding Lessons Will Improve How Scared Of a Horse You Are

Western Horse Riding LessonsWhen you are unfamiliar with a horse, the best way to get to know a horse is to take western horse riding lessons.

You will learn so much in just 3 or 4 sessions, that you will find, you are no longer scared of the horse.

6 Basic Steps of Western Horse Riding Lessons

But rather you are actually looking forward to seeing the horse again. Petting the horse and riding the horse, and you are now getting pleasure from the activity.

Some Reasons Why Riding Is a Great Activity For You

Horseback riding is a great pastime. Not only can the rider get out in nature and spend time with an amazing animal, but there are also health benefits associated with riding.

Horseback riding can improve the rider’s core strength, it increases muscle tone and flexibility, and it improves coordination.

You will also find that bringing the horse to and from the stable strengthens the muscles and increases cardiovascular capacity.

Riding a horse isn’t something that a person will instinctively know how to do. Before riding, the individual will need to know how to ride a horse step by step.

Let us take a serious look at what is involved in learning how to ride a horse.

One thing leads to another thing, Its baby step 1, then baby step 2, etc..

Before learning advanced horse riding techniques, the individual will need to know a bit about horseback riding for beginners.

To get these basics you may go to my posts titled, The Beginner’s Guide to How to Ride a Horse Western Style,  I cover it in detail there for you.

I also have found an excellent training source for this, called the nearly the same name, The Beginners Guide to Horseback Riding, You can check it out here Horseback Riding Guide

Even with knowledge of the basics, first-time riders should work with the professionals in your area, as you progress with your knowledge of western horse riding lessons.

Let’s Now cover the 6 Basic Steps in Western Horse Riding Lessons.

Step 1: Preparing For the Ride

Before riding the horse, the rider needs to be prepared. First, they should wear long pants. Closed-toe shoes with a small heel should be worn.

Please make sure the clothes do not have any loose ends or pieces hanging down or around. Be aware of having anything loose hanging that could be caught suddenly on something.

This could be very dangerous, as the rider could be pulled from the horse very abruptly, causing major body injuries  to the rider.

The heel will keep the foot from coming out of the stirrups. Finally, the rider should wear a helmet. I have written several post on this site about about how important I feel wearing a safety cowboy helmet is.

Whether the rider as a beginner is young or older you need to protect your skull. The number one horse riding injury involves head injuries.

You may read these two articles just to start with on helmet safety importance.

Top Youth Equestrian Helmet

Here are two articles to get you started on Helmet Safety.

Cowboy Hat Helmets Help You Protect Yourself

Buy Only a Riding Helmet Certified By ASTM

The rider should be aware of the fact that horse response to any nervousness or fidgeting, the rider brings with them. Being calm before and during the ride would be highly recommended.

That way the horse is very calm, and thus  very great thing, to be a much easier to be ridden, if both the rider and the horse are relaxed and not uptight.

Finally, the rider should arrive at the stable 15 minutes before the ride so they can get to know the horse and the horse can get to know the rider.

Step 2: Getting On the Horse (Mounting the Horse)

Most first time riders won’t be able to get on the horse without help. Most stables will have a mounting block beside the horse which looks like a small set of stairs.

This will help the rider to get their foot into the stirrup so that they can swing their other leg over the horse.

When getting on the horse, the rider should hold the reins in their left hand or hold onto the rounded knob on the saddle which is called the pommel.

When the rider is up on the horse, they should put both of their feet in the stirrups.

Step 3: Using the Reins

The reins are what the rider uses to steer and stop the horse. They are connected to a bit in the horse’s mouth, which is how it knows what the rider wants it to do.

When starting to learn to use the reins, it would be very important that the new rider would be very alert as to what they are being taught about holding to the reins with the horse.

The rider should always be gentle with the reins. If the rider wants the horse to move left, they should gently pull the left rein toward them. To turn right, the right rein would be pulled.

To get the horse to stop or slow down, the rider should pull back on the reins gently.

Step 4: Changing Speeds

Horses have four speeds, walk, trot, center, and gallop. The horse will start out walking. As a beginner with western style riding you will nbeed to get use to the slowest which is the horse walking.

The other 3 speeds are something you can be taught and work into the longer you have ridden a horse.

Very important to do what you and the horse a most comfortable with. The other speeds are great but not neccessary at the beginning of your experience.

If the rider wants the horse to speed up to a trot, they should gently squeeze the horse’s side with the inside of their legs.

In some cases, a gentle kick with the heel will be necessary. To increase the speed, the rider should put more pressure on the horse’s side.

To stop the horse, the rider should pull back on the reins gently.

Step 5: Cooling Down

Riding a horse exercises it. As with any exercise, the horse will need a cooling down period before the individual completes their ride.

So at this point you need to know that you will need to cautiously dis-mount your horse. After dis-mounting the horse needs to have all of the tack removed.

Horseback Riding Cool Down
Horseback Riding Cool Down

This will make the horse much more relaxed and then you can calmly walk the horse for a few minutes in the cool down mode.

The cool down period, if done properly will help in you develop a tighter relationship with the horse.

In turn you will have a safer ride and a much more fun ride as well.

They should walk the horse slowly for 10 to 15 minutes until the horse’s neck cools down.

Step 6: Dismounting the Horse

Before getting off the horse, the rider should make sure that it has come to a complete stop. They should hold onto the pommel with the right hand and slowly swing the right leg over the horse’s back.

This will allow them to slowly slide toward the ground. Once the rider is safely on the ground, they should pet the horse and praise it for doing a good job. This will help the horse bond with the rider.

First-time riders should always work with a professional. Their experience can be invaluable to the inexperienced rider.

Riding a horse is a very involved thing, and should be very respected by the rider.

It is not that it is hard to do, but rather that it is very different than anything a person has ever done before. Western horse riding lessons will help first-time riders enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride.

Over time, the rider will learn advanced horse riding tips and techniques.

In Conclusion

The Beginners Guide To Horseback RidingThe Beginners Guide To Horseback RidingThe Beginners Guide To Horseback Riding

Horse riding is a fun experience. But always remember you need to respect riding and the horse you are riding.

Horse riding demands good physical condition as well as a sharp mind and the ability to communicate well with your horse.

All that you need to learn can be taught, and putting it into practice will always maximize the fun of riding as well as the safety of riding will always be remembered.

My recommendation for a great study of riding a horse would be to start with this well written and common sense packed knowledge of that special relationship between you and your horse.

Read More About Horseback Riding Lessons-View Related Posts Below

Horseback Riding Lessons For Kids-What to Expect For a Child
Consider horseback riding lessons for kids as an alternative fun activity for your kids. You can get started today. Horseback riding lessons could be a godsend for you.
The Beginner’s Guide to How to Ride a Horse Western Style
The beginners guide to how to ride a horse western style is a detailed report on basics that you need to know. I cover many different areas that a new horse rider should be informed of.

The Beginner’s Guide to How to Ride a Horse Western Style

Western Range Rider

This post contains affiliate links to direct you to some of the products that our research has found to be most helpful to your horse riding activities. Your purchases will help us to diminish the costs that we incur in the process of building this site. This helps us be able to keep our site in operation.

How to ride a horse western

Beginning Of Western Style Horse Riding

For more than 5,000 years, people have been fascinated with horses. They have been using them for work purposes and riding purposes for the main part of these thousands of years.

So with this long-standing love affair with horse, you can correctly assume that ,children as well as adults, have passions for horse riding.

So let’s look at how to ride a horse western style. I believe in North America, Western-style horse riding is more prevalent than English riding.

A beginner must decide, which style of riding to concentrate on learning at first. So does western riding suit your needs better than English riding, or vice versa.

As I look at it, it’s English riding vs. Western Riding from the beginning for a child or a beginner. You will need to choose, one style or the other. But here is a hint of wisdom some people apply to this decision.

Since English riding is a bit more demanding, (smaller saddle, requires you give greater attention to what’s going on), some say start with English, then it will be easy to go to western riding for you.

How It Starts Many Times

When it comes to riding horses, very young children will get their start by riding ponies at a county fair and teens will become equestrians or equestriennes, as they get older.

Then as adults, they will continue to enjoy riding horses for as long as they have the strength to ride.

How To Ride a Horse Western Style

However, there is more to riding a horse than just mounting the animal and taking off, and people who seriously want to ride horses should learn proper methods.

Thus, the beginner’s guide to “how to ride a horse western style” is necessary

What is Western Style Horse Riding?

There are two basic styles of riding a horse. As I mentioned earlier they are the English style and the Western style. Probably one of the biggest difference being that western style horse riding involves the use of different tack you use to ride the horse.

In the western style of horse riding, the saddle is much heavier and is made to spread the weight of the rider across a large portion of the horse’s back.

The larger saddle makes it more comfortable for the rider, especially those who are just learning to ride a horse. This is one of the larger appeals of Western style riding.

Beginners just feel much more comfortable with a broader base (wider saddle).Western Style Riding Guide

The horses in western riding also go at a slower gait than you would with English style riding. So this again will make the beginner horse rider feel more in control while learning.

About Riding a Horse Western Style

When it comes to western style horseback riding, there are a few basic things that beginners should be aware of, things that will make it easier for both the horse and the rider.

It is essential to dress appropriately for horseback ridings, such as wearing jeans, comfortable layers of clothing (according to the weather), and the right kind of boots.

The rider should ensure to decrease nervousness as much as possible before attempting to ride, as the horse will be able to sense it and think that there is a danger to be aware of.

The ride will not go smoothly for either the horse or the rider if the horse senses danger.

Getting More Involved in Western Style Horseback Riding

A lot of people will go to what is known as a “dude ranch” when they want to learn to ride horseback, particularly western-style.

There are a few western riding basic principles that they will learn at such places, such as becoming familiar with how to hold the reins and how to direct the horse.

Western Style Riding Lessons
Western Style Riding Lessons

For example, western riders will hold the reins in one hand (usually the non-dominant hand), keeping the other hand free to do other things. In English-style riding, the rider uses both hands to hold the reins.

You Should Seek Western Riding Basic Principles

The research will take you past the broader general information about horse riding. Hopefully, we have given you even more reasons to pursue further your developing interest in Western style horse riding.

It all starts with the knowledge behind the basic western riding principles.

As with most things in life to be successful at them you must apply the basics to your goal. In this case if you wish to learn to ride western style, and you need to know western riding basic principles.

There is a very sound basic course called The Beginners Guide To Horseback Riding.

This Course may be purchased to give you those riding basics you need for the beginner horse enthusiast you know.

Horseback Riding Lessons
The Beginners Guide To Horseback Riding

There are several ways to go about this. I noticed in my recent searching, came across some must have information, that I believe will help you in getting yourself ready to ride a horse.

Other Things to Know About Western Style Riding

A rider should learn to use proper signals to direct the horse. This would be done by using the neck reins when wanting the horse to turn to the left or to the right.

Learning the proper positioning of the legs and feet will also aid in instructing the horse what to do.

Inexperienced riders are always moving their hands in their nervousness. These moving hands will generally confuse the horse, so learning to use the hands only when needed is important.

So Calm Hands is the Rule for Safe Western Style Riding

It is going to be important to know when to apply pressure to the horse, as well.

Final Advice

There is much to be said about how to ride a horse western style to get the maximum benefit of riding.

The key thing to remember is that there is always more to learn. Know that you can always learn more about your horse, and riding your horse.

Another important point is to know that each horse is different and will have to be specifically trained to respond to the rider.

Your Training Experiences Should Be Supplemented

With today’s technology, interested people can first go on YouTube or some other informative site to get basic learning about riding a horse western style.

Here are a couple of videos of ours for you to see to help out with your information base of horse riding skills.

However, no amount of computer training will be enough. Interested parties must get into actual riding to learn how to ride a horse western style.

Find a ranch near you or individual that offers the training. The reality of actually riding the horse is the last thing.

Maybe the detailed lessons at that point won’t be necessary but at least a real introduction to a real horse, before you ride would be the smart thing to do.

“Happy Trails To You” as Roy Rogers used to say back in the 1940s and 1950s.


How to Turn A Horse-Some Notes to Improve the Ride

Western Range Rider

This post contains affiliate links to direct you to some of the products that our research has found to be most helpful to your horse riding activities. Your purchases will help us to diminish the costs that we incur in the process of building this site. This helps us be able to keep our site in operation.


How To Turn A Horse

Why This Is So Big-How to Turn a Horse

So a very important part of riding a horse is learning how to turn a horse. This can be a major challenge for you, the beginner inexperienced horse rider.

You will find that riding a horse is not like riding a bike, a scooter, or driving a car.

Riding a horse is a cooperative effort between a human and a horse. The horse has a brain and a will of their own rather than buttons and gears.

Riding a horse can be wonderfully exhilarating but you must be able to to make turns and other maneuvers. Proper training of the horse is vitally important unless a person only wants to go in a straight line.

How To Turn A Horse

Training a Horse

Every colt needs to be trained before they can be ridden. Most trainers choose horses they feel are amenable, then a program of training begins. The best trainers are kind, consistent, and determined.

When the young horse is large enough for training, it is taught to accept attention from people, to accept the saddle, and finally to accept a human on its back. Once the horse will accept a rider, the real training can start.

The Rider Gets Trained As Well

When a person wants to ride horses, they must receive training. A person must be able to effectively communicate their instructions to the horse. The rider must learn different types of cues to give the horse including basic cues to walk, run, slow down, and to change directions.

Other cues include those used in competitive riding of many types. In the show arena, a person’s ability to ride and direct a horse is tested as much as the horse’s performance.

The rider must learn things like the correct leg position horse riding, leg cues for horse riding, visible guidance, and invisible guidance.

Teaching a Horse To Turn

People, as well as horses, can improve their performance and the ability to work as a team. Learning the leg cues western riding technique is important.

People who want to have freedom in riding including the ability of horse and rider to move the other way as needed know the importance of being able change your horse’s direction. The trainer must teach a young horse go the other direction.

Here is a quick checklist, in order that would be a great way to lead your horse in the training of how to nudge your horse the other way. Learning how to change directions with your horse leads to better riding, and a much safer experience for you the rider..

  • The first step is to warm up the horse and make sure they are supple on both sides of their bodies. These first lessons go better using a snaffle bit and two-handed riding technique. The horse must be helped to soften their neck, ribcage, and shoulders to make turning easier physically. You will work with the horse to get relaxed and more ready to respond to commands.
  • The second step is to get off the horse and lead them in a small 15-foot circle. Be sure to allow enough slack in using the reins, so the horse can be comfortable carrying their head and neck while learning how to move the shoulders and legs to turn in the circle. They must get use to the motion of one leg moving ahead of the other while leaning in one direction or the other. The horse is developing muscle memory, a key to learning to turn properly.
  • As the rider and horse walk in this tight circle, they will work together to move the horses head and shoulders to the left and the right front foot to cross over the left foot. Again you are working as a team, and this all aids in muscle memory. A great turning horse will be developed with patience in this process.

    A note worth mentioning, as the trainer, you should not get in the way of the horse’s movement ever

  • As the horse becomes comfortable walking in the 15-foot circle, the circle is made smaller until the horse can be shown how to perform a real pivot. This is practiced over and over.
  • It is important to keep the horse moving forward and crossing its right foot in front of her left foot. It is very important for the horse as they are learning to maneuver the front legs for a turn, the rear of the horsemust remain normal for forward motion. The back legs are to be kept in a straight forward motion, as per normal, walking and running. If the horse tries to put its right foot behind its left leg, it is time to take it out of the circle and have it trot to get the forward motion back.
  • When the horse is trotting, it is now in normal motion. You can then take it back to the turnaround or circle and correctly move its right foot in front of its left. Now repeat as many times as it takes to imprint the moves on the horse. A relaxed horse will learn better.

For some more great pictures and very detailed directions on horse training I would recommend  an industry favorite site, called Horse & Rider, you may find some very interesting horse subjects covered by going here, for extra reading on horses.

Learn How to Use Leg and Rein Cues

Using the cue inside leg to outside rein to make your horse move better in turns would be well worth your effort and time. This is just one type of cue you can use to obtain a direction change, a turnaround.

To teach him/or her to be a great direction changer, can only bring benefits to your horse riding.

So using your leg cues will be very big for you to get good at doing. the slightest pressure in one direction or the other will cue your animal to move forward, or move backward.

In this case you will want to with your right thighs just to apply the slightest pressure on the horse so that they will move away from the pressure.

This would mean the horse will be moving to the left. Then as you do this, to add a slight pulling on the reins to move the head of the horse in the left direction, then you will be able to successfully work with the horse and then the result is to be moving to the left.

You have changed direction with your ride, to the left this time.

Learning Invisible Guidance

As the rider you would do well to learn many different types of riding techniques. It will bode well for you to get good enough so that they become automatic and seamless.

Learn how to change directions with your horse and use other techniques such as inside leg to outside rein, invisible guidance, having a proper seat, finding a horses rhythm, directing with pressure, and controlling speed and other movements.

Repetition is the key to good training. This will develop your horse with great turn habits, a much sought after skill.

In Summation

Patience with your horse is extremely important. If your horse is warmed up properly, and trained with patience, your riding will become an awesome relaxing and fun time for you.

Remember, man and horse working in unity is your goal. Moving your horse the right way, is one of the best things you can do, to improve your western style horse riding.

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