EQUESTRIAN
growing
up
process
The
Teaching a young horse to cope with all sorts
the horse use his back. It also encourages
of gravity should be over the horse’s centre
of different experiences and terrain is all part
self carriage and natural balance.
of gravity and needs to adjust accordingly,
of the growing up process.
The early stages of breaking the horse is
Introducing the young horse to different
therefore a shorter stirrup length may be
conditions such as up and down slopes,
required to allow the rider movement in the
mostly spent in the arena, but there comes a
changes in ground conditions, light to dark
saddle.
time when we have to venture out in the big
spaces etc., increases confidence and
wide world. Every horse needs variety, and
improves obedience. Starting in walk to allow
be this is a basic skill they need to learn, and
riding him in an open field is a good change
him to work things out you should soon be
will teach him to look after himself and accept
from the arena.
trotting and cantering over different terrain.
negotiating different things is a perfectly
This work is also beneficial to building up
normal and enjoyable part of everyday life,
horse’s mind but also on his physical strength.
fitness; walking and trotting up long hills
and encourage a confident, willing and bold
It can be very exciting for some but initially
makes the horse use his hind legs to push
horse.
scary for others seeing new sights and
forward and strengthen muscles. It helps
ground, which can be daunting.
teach the horse to maintain his balance within
This has many benefits, not only on the
It’s very important from the beginning of
training that they learn to respond to the
the pace.
Cantering in open space means you can
rider’s aids and trust the rider even when it is
slowly increase the length of time working
not obvious where he is going.
the heart and lungs for overall fitness and
Riding in an open field has many
distractions but the horse must learn to
concentrate on the rider and work in a
Whatever you intend the horse’s career to
health and encourage forward thinking from
the horse.
The rider must also learn to adjust to
different environment. Riding in long straight
different circumstances and to keep in
lines in a forward way helps improve a
balance with the horse so as not to interfere
stronger contact between horse and rider and
with the use of the head and neck as the
allows the rider to come off his back and let
horse adjusts his balance, The rider’s centre
Equine trainer
Robert Booth BHSI
Rodgebrook Horses
Tel: 01983 521870
rodgebrookhorses.co.uk
www.visitislandlife.com
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