Having a horse that is properly trained for riding is the goal of every equestrian. Two important trainings need to be completed before a horse can be considered safe and trusted for any rider - ground driving and "bomb-proofing." Successfully training your horse in these two areas will ensure many hours of safe riding enjoyment in the years to come. Ground driving prepares your horse for a rider in the saddle. It allows him time to learn reining commands without the stress of a rider on his back. It can provide both horse and rider with a smoother transition to actual riding. While it may not guarantee that all will go well once you step into the stirrups, it is a good start for any young horse. Ground driving involves introducing the horse to rein commands. The best place to start is with a good snaffle bit with a thick mouthpiece that will be easier on his inexperienced mouth. Tie his head around to the saddle on one side at a time, with gentle pressure on the bit when the horse is facing forward, but no pressure at all when he turns in that direction. The opposite rein should have enough slack to allow for a free turn of the head in the desired direction. You should tie the "turning" side rein to the stirrup and the "free" or opposite side rein to the off-billet ring of the saddle. Turn the horse loose in a pen, corral or small pasture to figure things out on his own. Be close at hand, though, in case a mishap occurs. He may turn in circles at first, try to pull straight ahead, mouth at the bit, or just simply ignore it. You may need to adjust your length on the reins to apply more or less pressure on the bit. Your desired goal is for the horse to turn his head toward the shortened rein tied to the stirrup. Doing so will offer him a release of pressure on the bit and he'll soon learn that turning brings this release. Once he has become comfortable with turning in one direction, switch sides and repeat the process all over again. This can be accomplished over the course of several days, in short training sessions. When the horse will turn his head towards the pull of the rein, he is ready to begin ground driving with long reins. Attach longer reins or even lunge lines to the bit and pass them through the stirrups to prevent any possibility of the horse entangling his front feet. Stand behind the horse and guide him into a walk using both rein and voice commands. Practice all aspects of control - walking forward and backward, turning left and right, and stopping. It's best to stay in a small enclosed area, such as a round pen, until your horse becomes comfortable with ground driving. Ground driving will teach your horse the concepts of following rein commands easily, without a great deal of stress to horse or rider. "Bomb-proofing" your young horse is also something that will ensure safer, more enjoyable rides in the future. A horse's instincts tell him to react to things in his environment and to move quickly away from any source of possible danger. As with humans, horses' reactions come in a varied range, from a gentle side-step to dangerous extremes of spinning, bolting or rearing. How a horse reacts depends greatly upon his experience, his temperament and his training. Horses often spook or shy from lack of experience. A horse used to barking farm dogs, noisy farm equipment and the farmer's noisy children will pay little to no attention to a sudden rustle from a plastic bag caught in a bush beside the trail. On the other hand, a horse raised in an isolated stable may be frightened out of his wits. A horse that has been traumatized at some point in his life by a certain experience or object may never overcome his fear, and will always spook or shy away from anything similar. A horse that has fallen or been injured in a trailer may resist loading into one for the rest of his life. Knowing your horse can help you to understand his fears and know when he's going to need a calming touch or word. You can also help your horse become accustomed to common sources of spooking by simply exposing him to them. Tuck a plastic bag in your pocket so he can hear it rustle. Introduce him to a friendly stable hound to lessen his fear of dogs. Some time and effort on your part will produce a calmer, more controlable horse. Horses do not see directly in front or behind them without turning or lowering their heads. Sudden movement around a horse's feet or at the edge of his field of vision can cause his flight instinct to react. Even the best-trained horse can have an adverse reaction to sudden movement or sound from something he can't see. Understanding this can help you be better prepared for things which may potentially spook your horse. Rubbing your horse's legs with a robe or lead line can help him get accustomed of the feel of something under or near his feet. Walking him through crowded places can ease his mind, knowing he can trust you not to let any strangers get too near. Taking your horse's fears and natural instincts into consideration can save a lot of stress on you and your horse. Just as your helpful, calming actions can prevent spooking, your negative actions can add to his fears. Punishing a horse for spooking can make him more fearful the next time. Tightening up the reins or stiffening in your seat in anticipation of an incident can add to his nervousness. Stay calm. Allow the horse to turn his head. Let him snort or stare at the object of his fear for a few moments. Give him time to assess the situation for himself and then proceed. His natural instincts will tell him, upon this closer inspection, that there is no danger and he will remain calm and controllable in future similar situations. By properly training your horse to accept commands and allowing him the safety and freedom to explore potentially fearful experiences for himself will create a sense of trust and confidence in both horse and rider, establish a lifelong relationship, and ensure many years of safe, enjoyable riding ahead.
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