Training Tip: Help your horse stay stumble-free

If your horse is stumbling during your rides, keep these points in mind to make sure you’re not accidentally causing the problem. (Of course, if your horse is stumbling, first rule out that it isn’t being caused by a physical or health related problem by consulting with your veterinarian.)

Stay balanced in the saddle. Constantly leaning from side to side or back and forth can throw your horse off balance and make it harder for him to keep a steady pace without tripping.

Don’t put your horse on autopilot and just forget about him. Give him a reason to pay attention to where he’s placing his feet – practice serpentines, sidepassing or two-tracking. Not only will you keep your horse engaged, but you’ll be suppling his five body parts as well. You can never get a horse too soft or supple.

Give your horse his head. If you’re on a trail and going through rocky or rough terrain, give your horse his head and let him pick his way through. Horses use their necks to balance themselves, so having free-rein will allow him to raise and lower his head and neck as he needs.