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Horse Training Article's
Name: Submitted by: Professional Trainers Jenny Lance and Angie Robinette-Dublin of www.LiveToRideHorses.com
Be With the Trees…Equitation and Balance.
It seems like many folks believe that a trail horse is just a horse that doesn't show. Many believe that a trail horse should be a lot less expensive to buy than a show horse. We here at "Live To Ride" beg to differ! We believe a good trail horse is invaluable.
We have talked a lot about the horse in our multiple-part article regarding the trail horse, but you/ the rider are equally important! Even if you are not showing in an equitation class, you must still strive to be a centered, balanced rider.
Did you know that if you are constantly leaning to the right that your horse will tend to drift to the right to stay underneath you? Your horse does not want to travel out of balance, does not want you to fall, and does not want to fall himself. If he continually has to move to stay with you (even if you aren't aware of yourself), then you find yourself correcting your horse or getting frustrated at his "drunken sailor walk." No matter how many trainers you talk to, most will agree that a number of our issues with our horse's performance or behavior are rider or handler induced!
Equitation and balance are extremely important on the trail because sitting deep and balanced with a strong core (not using your hands and therefore your horse's mouth for balance) gives you a much better chance of staying on should your horse spook, trip, or slip! Staying balanced over the center of your horse is also important when you are riding up or down an incline. Don't over exaggerate leaning forward or backwards just because someone told you to. While riding a hill up OR down, look at the trees on either side of the trail and stay straight and centered in your saddle with the trees as you are traveling. If you are too much on the horse's forehand, he can't use it. He can't pick up his feet to climb uphill with your weight over his neck. Likewise, he can't "sit" and pick his way downhill if you are leaning way back over his rump! Stay centered, stay balanced, and stay safe!
Your trail horse is a performance horse and just like a performance show horse learns it patterns at home first, you need to practice in a safe enclosure at home. Once you are confident you have the control you need, you can venture out to the beautiful wide-open spaces. Remember… your life may depend on it!
Submitted by Professional Trainers Jenny Lance and Angie Robinette-Dublin of www.LiveToRideHorses.com
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