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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Handling Reins
We communicate with our horses primarily through the reins, and yet our
instructions to our horses are often too abrupt and hurried to get the results
we want. The best way to develop a softer, more responsive horse, according to
John Lyons , is to slow down our hands.
Rather than snatching... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Understand Your Horse's Language
In the last several years, a young horsewoman named Stacy Westfall of Mount
Gilead, Ohio, has captivated the horse world's attention. Stacy has won numerous
"freestyle" classes at National Reining Horse Association events by guiding her
horse bridleless through an intricate series of... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Trail Rider
Teach the Two-Track
Question : I've been trail riding for about a
year. My 9-year-old Paint Horse gelding does pretty well on the trail. Someone
told me that a maneuver called "two-tracking" comes in handy on the trail. What
is two-tracking, and does it really help? If so, how do I teach the maneuver to
my... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
A Perfectly Mountable Mount
We've all
been there: You gather yourself up to mount your horse, maybe even have a foot
in the stirrup, and your horse moves away--sometimes subtly, sometimes
emphatically. You might find yourself following him, hopping on one foot, and
hoping to salvage the attempt by swinging up as he... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Body Language Basics for Your Horse
We've all
admired someone whose horse was so in sync with her that it looked as if he was
reading her mind. In our ongoing series on developing perfect ground manners for your horse,
we'll show you how you can develop that kind of control of your horse, and
without even picking up a rein.... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Get the Canter You Want
Few things feel more
perfect than a quiet transition into a balanced canter, whether you're riding
a dressage test, setting up for a fence, or heading across a pasture. When it
all goes right, you barely have to do more than think "canter," and your horse
floats off on the correct lead... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Overcoming the Grooming Grumpies
Some horses love to
be handled, and they'll stand quietly for everything from ear clipping to
washing their tails. But if your horse doesn't stand like a statue, don't worry.
We'll talk about what you can do to make grooming a better experience for both
of you and what cues you'll need to... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Perfect Ground Manners
There's a long-standing comic line that asks, "Where does an 800-pound
gorilla sit?" The answer is, "Anywhere he wants to."
While it still gets a chuckle, the moral of the story is: The gorilla is so
big and dangerous, he can call the shots.
That's exactly the situation that we don't want... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
An Open and Shut Gate on Horseback
If you and your horse head for the trail, the two of you must be prepared for
obstacles, both natural and man-made. You can ride around some of them, but when
you encounter a gate, you have to know how to work it, dismount and open it from
the ground, or give up and turn around.
Working a... | read »
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Training: Western
from the pages of Perfect Horse
Stop Your Horses Prancing
At one time or another, you're likely to encounter a horse who just can't
seem to contain himself. He pulls against the reins, dances in place, tries to
push ahead, and generally seems unwilling or unable to settle down. Maybe it
happens when you start out on a ride. Or maybe it happens all... | read »
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| Bonding Exercises |
| Question: I have a 7-year-old grade-horse gelding that’s very receptive to training. I'm aware of the importance of bonding — that is, building mutual respect and trust to create a positive relationship. I was wondering whether you could suggest some specific exercises... | read |
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