What Are Horse Calisthenics?

The horse has been used in warfare as early as 4000 BCE. There is archaeological evidence in the steppes of Eurasia of fortified towns being built to defend against horse-riding bandits and raiders. In 1350 BCE, the Hittite tribe developed a written manual for the successfully breeding and conditioning chariot horses. Thus, since before written history and throughout the recorded development of mankind, horses have been a powerful ally to victorious armies and successful agriculturalists. In Medieval Europe, the heavy armor of mounted knights required a new style of horses, strong like a draft horse but athletic like lighter breeds. The destrier , along with the courser and rouncey, became the type (not breed) of horse that would fetch the highest price among nobles and elite military officers.

This free video series covers horse exercise with expert Kelli LaBar. Kelli will teach you all about horse calisthenics and working out your horse. You will learn how to put buttons on your horse to help lead it through exercises, how to train your horse to bump left and right, how to use indirect turns and backing up as exercise, and more. Kelli also shares turning a hip bump into a lope, how do do side passes, how to make small workout routines, and how to apply your exercises to shows and riding competitions. Also, she features safety tips.