Mary Johnston from Ravenna, Ohio at Creekside Horse Park
Lynda Littlefield Allen and Rio. Photo by Hal Cook
properly move through the obstacle. If you keep your emotions in check, stay focused, and give clear signals you will soon find the horse will walk over or through the obstacle in a safe, thoughtful manner and it will begin to trust you.
Start Simple
Your goal is to have the horse relax and think and become your partner. Most horses will rush through an obstacle in an unsafe manner, which is potentially dangerous for both handler and horse. That is why it’s important to start with simple obstacles and build up to the more difficult ones. If the horse rushes through, stop it and ask it to think. It’s normal for a horse to rush through, so don’t be discouraged. Just be patient and ask it to navigate the obstacle again until it walks in a safe manner.
Build Your Horse’s Boldness and Confidence
Walking over or through obstacles is the best way to prepare your horse for the trail
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because it will build boldness and confidence. As this occurs, and when the horse can walk over the logs or through the obstacles without incident, it is then time to ride. Practice riding a few times before hitting the trail and you’ll be able to simply enjoy the beauty of the trial ride.
Pony a Horse
I should point out that another method I like to use is to pony a horse. However, that takes a having a seasoned and trustworthy horse in addition to possessing riding and rope skills. Ponying is great because some horses are very good at instilling confidence in another horse while being led from the other horse. By ponying, the horse is being introduced to various obstacles, and you can build a trail horse that’s a joy and safe to ride.
Kathy Dalladay and Pilgrim - Avalon Horse Park, Victoria Australia. Photo by Chloe Dann