Want to know what your horse is thinking? Spend some time on the ground! Many people underestimate the value of ground work with their horses. It is where we start, the very basic and beginning of horse training when we ask our horse to be caught, to accept touch, to lead, to follow, to pick up feet, but it shouldn't end when we get in the saddle.
Not only is it easier and safer to start any new training from the ground, but it also nurtures the relationship between the horse and the human (not the horse and rider). It allows for memorization of movement, learning of cues, and the building of trust. It's kind of like going out for coffee with your friends, sometimes you just need to get together without something else going on to distract you from the personal interaction.
Another benefit, especially for older or very well learned horses is keeping the mind active. If all you do with your broke horse is get on and ride he is missing a very important factor out of his life. He has a great diet, lots of exercise, gets out of the house (so to speak), but he's not having fun... same old same old boring trail ride... nothing happens, nothing changes.
Horses need to play, just like we do. Go for a walk, teach your horse to walk with you and back up with you, accept a rope spinning overhead even if you'll never use the skill, pull a log behind him or a sled, get creative, make things up, attend a clinic... build your relationship... most of all have fun with your horse! :)
Not only is it easier and safer to start any new training from the ground, but it also nurtures the relationship between the horse and the human (not the horse and rider). It allows for memorization of movement, learning of cues, and the building of trust. It's kind of like going out for coffee with your friends, sometimes you just need to get together without something else going on to distract you from the personal interaction.
Another benefit, especially for older or very well learned horses is keeping the mind active. If all you do with your broke horse is get on and ride he is missing a very important factor out of his life. He has a great diet, lots of exercise, gets out of the house (so to speak), but he's not having fun... same old same old boring trail ride... nothing happens, nothing changes.
Horses need to play, just like we do. Go for a walk, teach your horse to walk with you and back up with you, accept a rope spinning overhead even if you'll never use the skill, pull a log behind him or a sled, get creative, make things up, attend a clinic... build your relationship... most of all have fun with your horse! :)
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