10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you … about confident handling from the ground

10 things all good horse people know, but maybe couldn’t tell you …  

about confident handling from the ground

If you are lacking in confidence in handling your horse, mastering these ten exercises will dramatically improve your level of confidence.

Lack of confidence in handling your horse is not something to be afraid of, it’s something to be embraced.  Before you even think about getting on your horse, there are so many fun and interesting things you can do with him from the ground to build your confidence and improve the relationship between the two of you! 

These exercises assume that you have an experienced horse who has a thorough understanding of what is expected of him. If this is not the case, please seek practical help from an expert you trust. No special facilities are required, but a 12ft lead rope is useful, and you may find that using a Dually halter gives you greater control (you can get these from the shop at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk).

1.              Standing still: Teach your horse to stand still at the end of a loose 12ft line

So much of horsemanship is based on the ability to stand still. Without this foundation solidly in place, it is likely that cracks will show elsewhere in your relationship with your horse. Ask your horse to stand. Notice exactly where each of his feet are so that you can correct him if he moves them, by moving each foot back to approximately where it started from. Facing your horse, back away a couple of steps, being careful to keep the line (lead rope) loose, as any slight pressure could be interpreted by your horse as you asking him to move towards you. Aim to stand for at least a minute. If your horse moves a foot, instantly correct him by moving him back until the foot is where it started from, then immediately release all pressure and take a couple of steps back again. Timing is key - the quicker you correct and the quicker you release, the quicker your horse will learn what you are asking of him. Use a level of pressure in your corrections that is proportionate to the level of mistake he's made, so if he's just crept forwards then gently ask him to move back. As you progress, take another step back, then another, until you are at the end of a loose 12ft line. Repeat consistently until you and your horse are able to stand relaxed for up to ten minutes.

2.              Picking up feet: Teach your horse to stand quietly while you pick up each of his feet in turn, in the order you decide

Allowing you to hold his foot up is a sign of your horse's trust in you, since he is giving away his option to flee. Picking the feet out as quickly as you can or not picking out the hind feet altogether to avoid problems can often degenerate into further difficulties. Have someone hold him to start with, or tie him up - although eventually the goal is to be able to do this exercise with your horse loose in the stable or field. Start with one of his front feet. Position yourself safely so that you are standing beside his shoulder facing his tail. Always touch his neck or shoulder then run your hand down to his leg, rather than surprising him by touching his leg first. Run your hand down the back of his leg to the fetlock and ask him to pick up his foot. Be calm but firm, insist that he gives you his foot, even if only for a second. Don't give up because he's resisting or fidgeting, unless safety is a concern. Once he's given you his foot and you've chosen to release it, make sure you reward him with something he enjoys, perhaps a scratch on the withers (the use of food as a reward here is not appropriate). When you are confident with both front feet, follow the same procedure with the back feet. Again be careful to put your hand on his quarters and slide it down to his leg rather than surprising him by touching him on his leg straight away. Over time, vary the order in which you pick up his feet. Build up how long you can hold each foot for, up to a minute or so (if you are holding his foot up for more than a few seconds keep it fairly close to the ground to avoid placing undue stress on the joints by flexing them).

3.              Moving one foot at a time: Cause your horse to move just one foot

This might sound simple, but most people don't find it so easy when they give it a go! It doesn't matter if you're moving the foot forwards or backwards. The key is in the communication you and your horse must have to achieve such a precise goal. Start with your horse standing still, with you facing him. Ask him to move just one foot backwards. Watch really closely - in my experience people often don't notice that two or even three feet have moved! Experiment with how much pressure you need to use to ask for the initial movement, and how quickly you need to release any pressure so that he only moves one foot, as opposed to several. It's likely that you'll find you need to 'reward the thought' by releasing the pressure as you see / feel him thinking about living one foot, because of you leave it any longer than this you'll have triggered the movement of a second or third foot. This a great exercise in teaching you how to listen to your horse, and almost more importantly, in reaching your horse that you are listening to him and responding to his actions. Once you've mastered moving one foot backwards, try moving one forwards, or a front foot sideways towards you, or a hind foot sideways away from you.

Above are the first three of ten tips due to be illustrated and published at a later date – sign up for free with your name and email address at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk to be the first to hear more!

This list is not by any means exhaustive, and there are plenty more options to consider. Trust your instinct and the feedback you get from your horse, rather than what you read on the Internet, what the person in the next door stable did, or what you hear from well meaning friends. Get professional help from someone well qualified, experienced, and fully insured - remember that often you get what you pay for. Write down your goals, and believe that you will find your way to them by following a path that is right for you and your horse.

For practical help with your horse's behaviour please contact your local Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk.

If you are concerned that your horse's behaviour might be pain related, contact your vet, or your local Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist at www.acpat.co.uk.

To find your local BHS qualified instructor please visit www.bhs.org.uk.

To find out more about Sue, her books, DVDs, and the courses she offers for you and your horse, visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk, and while you're there please sign up to receive her regular FREE e-newsletter at www.thehorsephysio.co.uk and follow her blog at www.brainorpain.blogspot.com. You can also join Sue on Facebook at The Horse Physio, or on Twitter at @thehorsephysio.