3 Of The Best… Exercises To Improve Your Confidence On The Ground

Improve your control – and in turn your confi dence – when handing your horse on the ground with three transformational exercises from Sue Palmer.

- Sue Palmer

Anyone who is experiencing issues when handling their horse or pony from the ground can use these exercises to improve their confidence and control. According to Sue Palmer, an equine behaviourist and chartered equine veterinary pysiotherapist, in the relationship between a horse and his handler, one controls the speed and direction of the other.

“Confidence issues arise when the horse is in control of the speed and direction of the handler, rather than the other way around,” says Sue. “The good news is there are some simple yet effective exercises help you to regain control, calmly and safely, and this will help to restore your confidence.

“The exercises are fun and interesting to do, and will help improve the relationship between you and your horse.”

Sue points out that you should only do the exercises if you have an experienced horse with a thorough understanding of what is expected of him.

“If this is not the case, seek practical help from an expert you trust, such as an Intelligent Horsemanship recommended associate,” she suggests.

“No special facilities are required, but a 12ft lead rope is useful (I like the ones from www.hearinghorses.com), and you may find that using a Dually halter (available from www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk) gives you greater control.”

Exercise one

Standing still

Teach your horse to stand still at the end of a loose 12ft line:

So much of horsemanship is based on the ability to stand still. Without this foundation solidly in place, it is likely that cracks will show elsewhere in your relationship with your horse.