Improve your control – and in turn your confi dence – when handing your horse on the ground with three transformational exercises from 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.
Denne historien er fra March 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Take To One Side
Our latest Equilibrium Products Rising Star is Robyn Caterall, who has a passionate for the art of riding side-saddle.
A New Year spectacular
Make the New Year a special occasion for the whole family this year, with a trip to the Liverpool International Horse Show. Here’s what’s on offer
Mongolian Adventure
Intrepid traveller Josie Stanford takes an unforgettable trip by horseback into a remote region of Mongolia
Building On The Basics
Train your horse sympathetically and get those all-important basic building blocks in place, with the help of top dressage rider Zoe Sleigh
10 Steps To Jumping Confidence
Increase your chances of going clear on the cross-country course with top tips from event rider Austin O’Connor
10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips
Keep your horse happy, healthy and in good condition with these useful tips from Castle Horse Feed nutritionist Lisa Elliott MSc
3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond
Strengthen the relationship you have with your horse, with top advice from equine behaviourist and chartered physiotherapist Sue Palmer
Secure A Sponsor
Get help to achieve your riding and competition goals, and cover some of the costs, by securing sponsorship. Here are some useful tips to get you started...
Achieve Your Goals
Don’t fall at the first hurdle and fail to meet your goals in 2017. Confidence coach Jenni Winter has some smart advice to keep you on track and increase your chance of success.
Power To The Paces
Add expression to your horse’s paces by including some medium steps. Not only will this set you up for the higher levels of dressage, but it can help your jumping, too.
