Downunder Horsemanship - General

Training Tip: Horses teach people, and then people teach horses

Training Tip: Beating The Spook On The Trail – Choose A Smart Ride

Be smart about the trails you take your horse on, being sure to take his experience, your experience and the type of trail into account. For example, if you’re taking your horse out on the trail for the first time, I recommend riding in an open area where you have plenty of room to move […]

Training Tip: Use What You Got, Part 2

  When it comes to training your horse, your imagination is your greatest tool. The more creative you can be in your lessons, the more interested your horse will be in his job. You’ve heard me say, “Consistency is your greatest ally and inconsistency is your greatest enemy.” And that’s absolutely true.

Training Tip: Use What You Got, Part 1

  When it comes to training your horse, your imagination is your greatest tool. The more creative you can be in your lessons, the more interested your horse will be in his job. You’ve heard me say, “Consistency is your greatest ally and inconsistency is your greatest enemy.” And that’s absolutely true.

Training Tip: It’s Called A Soft Feel, Not A Soft Look

  Collection should feel light in your hands, not heavy. In other words, don’t worry about where your horse’s head is at; you’re only concerned with how he feels in your hands. I tell people that it’s called a soft feel, not a soft look. That’s the difference between my method and some of the […]

Training Tip: Lateral Flexion Is The Key To Vertical Flexion

  Long before I even think of teaching a horse how to give vertically to the bit and collect, I teach him how to flex his head from side to side. Whenever a horse’s body is straight from his head to his tail, he’s practicing resistance. With that being said, once you start to teach […]

Training Tip: Going In Reverse Under Saddle

  When I introduce backing up to a horse, I always start by yielding the horse’s hindquarters first and then asking the horse to back up a step. By yielding the horse’s hindquarters, you’re putting energy in his feet and then just redirecting it backwards. Think about it like this – what’s the hardest part […]

Training Tip: Horses Don’t Have Hard Mouths

  People often complain to me about their horse leaning against the bit and pulling on the reins. “He has a hard mouth, Clinton. How do I fix him?” they’ll ask.

Training Tip: Teach Vertical Flexion With The Hot Potato Give

  The first step to teaching a horse how to collect is to teach him to give to the bit, period. Always start at the standstill, and then progress through the gaits as the horse understands. The ultimate goal is collection, but in the beginning, it is just a soft feel. When you first pick […]