How to Train a Hunter/Jumper for Western Riding

A pleasant experience

When it comes to training horses, always do your best to make everything a pleasant experience for the animal. That is the first lesson in teaching you How to Train your Hunter/Jumper for Western Riding, or for anything else you may want him to do. There are three other important rules that I learned from a legendary horse trainer: 1) Safety for yourself (don't get hurt), 2) Safety for your horse (don't wreck your horse), and 3) Safety for the equipment (you break it, you fix it).The instructions that follow will not only help you attain your goal, they will also help you learn even more about your horse...and give him the opportunity to get to know you better. Its about working together...never forget that. This is not like tuning up a car. A horse is a living, breathing, thinking animal. This does not stop when you turn them out or put them back in their stall. Training is constant. Touch, communication, response...always be sure you are paying attention.

Things You'll Need

• Proper equipment: halter, bridle, saddle, different bits, lunge line, long lines
• Round pen for training

Instructions

1. 

   Start in the round pen. This is the training area where you can be close to your horse, and she to you. With your Hunter/Jumper, use the bit she is accustomed to. Put her in long lines with her saddle on and begin working on relaxing her at the trot. That means you want her moving forward at a slow gait, with her head dropped over naturally, chin towards the chest. Work on this until she does not fight you. She should have contact with the bit, but not pulling on you.

2. Add the heavier Western Saddle, and continue work in the round pen. Training is talking too, remember. Coax him forward, but keep him relaxed. The extra weight of the saddle may throw him at first. Once he is comfortable, move from the walk and trot into the canter. Turn him frequently to go both directions. Teach him to bend. Flexibility in the neck is key here, and that only will come with him relaxing. A horse with a limber, flexible neck has a good mouth. Don't worry about neck reining yet. That comes later.

3. 

   Climb aboard (still inside the round pen). Let your horse walk a good bit in the beginning. To begin teaching the neck reining, gently turn her to the left, touching the right side of her neck with your hand, then do the same turning her to the right. This will eventually train her to bend to your touch, and then to the touch of the reins. Remember to keep her relaxed. Her head should be down and relaxed just like it was in the round pen.

4. Take your horse out into a ring, or a field, or on a trail. Remember to keep that neck supple with a lot of bending, flexing and turning. Give him at least a good 5-minute warm up at the walk. Sit deeply into the saddle when you move into a trot or lope. This gives the horse stability. You don't want to be bouncing around, or he will begin to tense up his back. Continue practicing the neck reining by using your hands to touch his neck.

5. Keep practicing. Do not abandon the round pen. That training should be done several times a week, along with the riding. At the end of every ride, walk her around calmly. Always talk to your horse. Make sure she is relaxed at the end of every ride. Remember, you don't want to end on a bad note. Always make it a pleasant experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be disappointed if your horse does not conform to the Western style. Give him a chance to try, but realize that not all horses are cut out to do all things. Your experience will still bring you closer to your equine friend, and teach you some things about yourself as well!