Training Horses

Therapeutic equine programs match disabled people to horses and their handlers to assist with physical, mental and emotional healing. The motion of the horse's body encourages muscle control,...

Many horse people (and non-horse people) have been wowed by the bridleless exhibitions presented by top riders at horse expos and competitions. Some of the biggest names in the horse world,...

Almost all horse lovers have at one time or another dreamed of training a wild mustang. In 2009, 3,474 wild horses and burros were placed with private owners. However, the new owners' involvement...

Side stepping can be a very useful thing for a horse to learn, and this maneuver should be part of every horse's training. Out on the trail, the ability to move sideways can get your horse out of...

To be considered fully trained, a horse must master all three gaits under saddle: walk, trot and canter. The canter is a three-beat gait, unlike the walk and the trot, which are four-beat and...

A martingale is a piece of horse equipment or tack used to control head carriage in horses. Pressure is applied to the back of the head behind the ears, referred to as the poll. Martingales are...

To train your horse to come on command, you will need patience and persistence, but you will find the outcome highly rewarding as you strengthen your bond with your beloved horse. By following a...

There are many reasons why it is important for horses to know how to execute a flying lead change. The ability to change leads at the canter without dropping to a trot will help jumpers balance...

A training fork can be an excellent tool for teaching a horse to carry himself in a balanced manner, but it is important to use that tool properly. The training fork should be used as an adjunct...

Teaching a horse to accept the halter and lead rope is the most fundamental of training steps, but many horse owners gloss over this vital step. Horses who were never trained to lead properly can...

Driving can be a rewarding activity for yourself and your horse, but it is important to train the horse properly. Rushing through cart training can result in an unpredictable, and at times...

Believe it or not, horses are just like people. They have good days and bad days, and, yes, some act a little crazy at times. If you purchased a problem horse, then he's more than likely still a...

Maybe you have taken your child to a fair and he was delighted with those little ponies. They are not ponies, however. They are miniature horses. Mini horses are a breed that is currently being...

While there are definitely times that horse owners will need to turn to a professional trainer for help and advice, many experienced equestrians find that training their own horses from the ground...

Martingale is a term used to describe horse tack designed to control how the horse carries his head. Many riding and driving disciplines utilize martingales. There are several names for the...

A round pen is a valuable training tool for any horse owner, and it can be a particularly good place to train young horses. By moving the horse to a smaller and more confined space, the trainer...

One of the most frustrating things is to have a horse who will not load into a trailer. This is a foolproof way to get your horse to load, but it does take time. This is a teaching method that...

Learn how to get a wild horse to be halter broke in just a few days.

Rearing is one of the most dangerous bad habits your horse can develop. Rearing occurs when the horse picks his front legs off the ground and stands up on his hind legs--which is not only...

A horseback ride should be a pleasure. It feels so good to relax out on the trails on the back of a willing equine. Unfortunately, some horses become barn sour and turn each ride into a battle of...

Fly masks are used to protect a horse's face from flies that are drawn to the horse's eye excretions. Horse owners also use fly masks to protect the horse's face from flying debris during trailer...

Causing a horse to rear up on hind legs, in the spirit of the Lone Ranger and his horse Silver, is a "haute ecole" or "high school" maneuver in the riding discipline of dressage. It is a high...

A round pen is an enclosure used to train and exercise young or old riding horses. A round pen can vary in height and diameter. For use in training young horses, a small diameter--40-foot--pen can...

If you're not experienced with bridling horses, putting on a headstall-- the straps that go around your horse's head plus the bit--can be daunting. Horses quickly figure out ways to avoid the bit...

Owning and training horses can be a rewarding and difficult experience, because they are intelligent but also can be stubborn and distrustful. Pat Parelli, a cowboy, horse trainer and rodeo rider...

Using horses as therapy for children and adults with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities has been shown to have many benefits. Therapeutic horseback riding centers are located around the...

Every horse farm, boarding stable or ranch has had one. The horse that doesn't want to stay put. They'll jump the fence, go underneath or even through it. They'll do anything to get out. A few...

Taking part in your first novice level horse trial is a good introduction to the three-phase equestrian competition as long as you follow a common sense conditioning and training routine first....

A seemingly simple aid, the half-halt can to more harm than good if used improperly. This article will outline the steps to a successful half-halt that can be used to slow your horse or alert him...

Whether you are looking for a trainer to start your child in her horseback riding career, or to prepare your horse for a big competition, researching all possible candidates thoroughly is an...

One of the easiest horse tricks to train is shaking hands. It's a good way to get your horse used to interacting with you on the ground and can be an especially good horse trick to teach an older...

This is a basic overview of the differences between a western saddle and an english saddle.

Riding a horse may provide you with a frustrating experience or an exhilarating one, depending on several factors. If you lack a basic understanding about the temperament of the horse, or riding...

An outdoor riding ring can provide a pleasant location to train and exercise a riding horse. Properly constructed, a riding ring actually serves as an aid in training a horse. Several factors will...

At some point, every horse owner will have to move her horse from one point to another in a trailer. Whether going on a trail ride, to a horse show or to the veterinarian, horses that have not...

You don't want your horse to trample you because he's scared of the big heavy thing your putting on his back, so train him to remain calm, and help him understand that its not a cougar that your...

How to properly lunge your horse. **i am not responsible for any injuries that might occur after the reading of this article**

Training level dressage is quite simple, requiring only walk, free walk, trot and canter. If a horse and rider can perform all the gaits and steer reliably around the dressage court, they should...

As with all species in the animal kingdom, horses dominate, protect, bully, and submit to other horses in order to establish a pecking order. This order keeps all members of the herd safe, and...

Gentling a wild mustang is a life enriching experience. The first time that long whiskered beauty reaches his warm soft muzzle towards your extended hand is a magical moment you are not likely to...