2024 Clinician Academy
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The type of horse that is best suited to a beginner is a confidence builder. These horses are generally cold-blooded, lazier horses and are very easygoing. They have the perfect personality to teach a rider who is new to horses. But at the same time, they’re a little stiffer and not as soft and supple […]
Read MoreQ: I recently started working with my horse in the roundpen and have made decent progress. He gives me two eyes and follows me around the roundpen. But now when I first show up, if he even suspects a workout, he runs to the far end of his 2-acre turnout and won’t let me get […]
Read MoreWhen you’re ready to mount your horse for the first few times outside the arena, play it safe by flexing his head halfway around to his side. This is a safety precaution so that if the horse takes off or bucks, you’ve already got his head bent around so the worst thing he can do […]
Read MoreWeather plays a huge role in a horse’s behavior. When the weatherman says that it’s going to be a cold, rainy and windy day, he might as well be saying, “Hey, if you own a horse, get ready to die.” Changes in weather can make your horse hypersensitive, and therefore more reactive. On cold days, […]
Read MoreQ: If I go out alone on the trail, my horse will just stop. If I press him forward, he backs up and acts like he is about to rear. I pull his head around to stop him from rearing, but he gets really excited, and I am afraid to spank him as he might […]
Read MoreWhenever you plan to ride your horse outside, practice groundwork in that environment before getting in the saddle. While doing groundwork in the arena is certainly beneficial, taking your horse from an environment that he’s used to (like the arena) to riding him outside is putting him at an unfair advantage. He may have been […]
Read MoreThe smartest decision you’ll make in your horse’s trail career is choosing where to begin his training outside of the arena and how you build his confidence from there. The ideal location for first taking a horse outside is a long dirt road because it gives you plenty of room to move the horse forward […]
Read MoreQ: I am starting a horse, and after first using a hackamore, I’ve now switched to riding in a bridle with a smooth-mouth snaffle bit. He is mouthy with the bit, but his teeth have been done. Should I just let him get used to it more, possibly wear his bridle in the stall some? […]
Read MoreA great trail horse is no accident; he’s been trained to do his job well. Just because a horse rides well in the arena doesn’t mean he’ll be the same calm, respectful and responsive partner on the trail. The reason for that is because the elements drastically change when you take your horse out of […]
Read MoreQ: My horse has had five months of training under saddle. He has a tendency to drop his left shoulder at the lope and fall in a little on his left lead. What riding exercises would you recommend to remedy this?
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