The Basics of Equestrian Training

A well-trained horse requires a huge investment of time and money. For many horse owners, professional training is the best option. Whether the goal is to compete at the highest level of competition or simply to create a happier, more harmonious partnership with your horse, you’ll need to invest in a proper foundation.

When deciding on which trainer to send your horse, keep in mind that a good trainer will be able to demonstrate measurable results within a relatively short period of time. Horses are lightning-fast learners, and their brains process information at a much faster rate than ours. Using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning (rewarding the desired behavior to increase its frequency) is essential for success. This method works quickly and effectively and is also humane to the animal.

The most important element of equestrian training is building trust between the horse and rider. During the groundwork phase, this is achieved through a series of exercises designed to teach the horse to relax, respond to the rider’s aids, and build its overall confidence. This can include saddling, lunging, and basic riding work.

Once a horse has been properly groundworked, it’s ready to be “green broke.” This means that the horse is lightly started under saddle–usually by being sat on a few times and having a few short rides. This phase can take up to three years, depending on the trainer and the horse’s individual development.

In the riding phase, trainers focus on developing balance, collection, and responsiveness to the rider’s cues. This can include basic gaits, lead changes, and specific movements depending on the discipline.

Trainers also address behavioral issues. If a horse becomes aversive or aggressive, this can be a huge obstacle to progress. An experienced trainer will be able to help the horse overcome its fear or aggression through appropriate training techniques and behavioral modification strategies.

Horses that are used in competition require specialized feed and hoof care, and often need to be massaged and manipulated to improve their performance. They must be able to follow patterns of maneuvers that require them to change speed and lengthen or shorten their strides, as well as jump in a variety of heights. All of this is designed to develop the horses innate athleticism and to build their fitness, and to strengthen the bond between them and their riders.