The Natural Horse Training Blog

There are variety of reasons why a horse will buck. The first thing I will look at is the equipment that is being used. Does the saddle fit right and is it pinching the withers? Is the bit properly placed in the horses mouth and the headstall fitted correctly? Is the rider cinching the horse up too tight? Is the rider riding the horse correctly or are they off balance and using the reins for balance? Are their feet in good shape? Sometimes we need to look at the simplest things before we try ...

Groundwork is important for many reasons but listed below are the three most important reasons that horses should have a good foundation in groundwork, with a reputable trainer.

First, improve and build upon your relationship with your horse through grooming.

Grooming simulates what the horses naturally do in herds. Horses will stand facing each others hind end, shoulder to shoulder, and facing opposite directions. This allows them to "scratch" each others shoulders, where they normally would n...

It is important that your horse knows how to move away from you on the ground, and move away from your legs while ridden. Even if your horse is 'just' a pleasure horse and you only ride out on the trails on the weekends teaching your horse how to move away from your leg will make your horse safer, easier to ride and more fun. These movements are learned easier when started on the ground. Good ground manners include moving away from you at your cue as well.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Va...

1. Lead Quietly In Hand

When you lead your horse he should walk beside you quietly paying attention to you. When you ask your horse to back up, or step to the side he should float away from your cue like a rubber ducky being pushed in a bath tub, not like a brick being pushed through sand. Your horse shouldn’t pull you, barge ahead, hang back or push into you. Teaching your horse to lead properly is the basis for almost every other aspect of good manners.

2. Allow Every Body Part to Be Touche...

Getting a horse into a trailer is one of life's great challenges, especially if the horse isn't sure that's where he wants to be. Aside from wasting time and getting people (and horses) upset, loading can be dangerous when people become impatient and try shoving, yanking or forcing a horse into a trailer; an annoyed or frightened horse can react by lashing out with hooves, biting or just mashing you against the side or front of the trailer.

There are ways to teach a horse to load properly, and...