July 26, 2024
Many riders wonder if they should leave their young horses in the pasture or bring them in for training. While both options have their benefits, the ideal approach is somewhere in the middle.
Young equines need regular exercise to develop properly and enjoy their athletic lives later on.
Studies show that horses that receive proper training in their first three years are healthier and perform better in riding and driving compared to those that start exercising at three or four years old.
However, unlike mature horses, training for a young horse should be shorter, slower, and avoid any heavy impact on their developing bones.
At Gladiator Equine, we firmly believe that correct early handling can place value on a young horse for the rest of its life. In this blog, we’ll offer simple, direct, and actionable equine training tips to help you train your young horse effectively.
Training Tips for Young Equines
1. Establish Trust and Bonding
The first training tip for young equines is to build a strong relationship with your foal. For this, you’ll need to:
A. Desensitize
In the equine industry, ‘desensitization’ refers to reducing a young horse’s fear of something that initially frightens them through repeated exposure. In many cases, horses don’t naturally find our presence comforting. Young horses must be desensitized to human touch.
Allow your horse to get to know you by letting them smell you and get used to the sound of your voice. Talk to them and make every interaction positive and loving.
Gradually teach your young horse to respond to your touch and gentle cues. Horses naturally move away from pressure, so be subtle and gentle. Begin by touching less sensitive areas like the back, neck, shoulders, and withers.
Once your horse is comfortable with you touching their shoulders, work your way back and then down. Pat their rump gently and talk to them. If they show no signs of stress, gradually move down their legs.
Note that desensitization can take days or even weeks. It’s important to be patient, maintain a positive attitude, and always end on a good note.
B. Build a Groundwork Routine
Groundwork exercises are fundamental in building trust and respect between you and your young equine. Activities like leading and lunging help establish clear communication and set the tone for future training.
2. Introduce Basic Commands
Another training tip for young equines is to introduce basic commands.
Horses need to learn how to listen and respond to commands from a young age. You can start with lead training by using simple commands like ‘walk.’
Practice leading your horse on a rope and reward them for following your cues. Not only does this help them understand basic commands, but it also establishes your leadership.
Young horses must also learn to respect your personal space for safe and effective communication.
Use gentle pressure and release techniques to encourage them to move away when asked.
At this stage, you’re setting ground rules for the rest of the horse’s riding career. Expect respectful behavior both on the ground and under the saddle from the beginning. A young horse needs to quickly learn that you are in charge and can be trusted to guide them through their basic training.
3. Prepare for Long Lining and Ground Driving
Introducing long lining and ground driving is a great way to prepare your young horse for riding. These exercises teach them important skills without having to carry the weight of a rider.
A. Long Lining
Begin by putting the young horse on a long line with side reins (set on the longer side). Walk behind your horse, gently guiding them with the reins. Doing this makes them more confident and responsive to your demands.
B. Ground Driving
Once your horse is comfortable with long lining, move on to ground driving. In this step, you walk behind your horse, holding the reins like you would when riding.
Ground driving lets you control the horse’s speed and helps them get used to the feeling of being directed by the reins. It’s also an excellent way to build balance and teach them steering/stopping cues.
4. Introduce Riding Gradually
It’s ideal to wait until your horse is three or four years old to start their riding career. Once they’re ready:
A. Master Mounting
Start by practicing mounting and dismounting to get your horse used to the process. Use a mounting block to make it easier on their back and reduce any strain. Practice this repeatedly until your horse is calm and comfortable with you getting on and off.
B. Go for Short Rides
Begin with short, slow rides in a safe, controlled environment. Focus on basic commands like walk, halt, and turn.
As your horse becomes more confident and responsive, gradually increase the duration and complexity of each ride. The goal is to help them get used to the feeling of a rider and understand basic commands.
An additional equine training tip is to always ride young horses forward. It helps build the correct muscles from the hind legs to the back.
5. Maintain a Balanced Seat
For riders, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced seat. Use gentle cues and avoid pulling on the reins or gripping too tightly with your legs. A balanced, relaxed rider helps the horse feel more at ease and willing to follow commands.
6. Slowly Teach them to Bend
Bending is essential for developing flexibility, balance, and responsiveness- qualities that are essential for advanced maneuvers and overall performance.
When your horse can move forward with ease, slowly introduce them to bending. Begin with large circles at a walk, using gentle rein pressure and leg aids to encourage your horse to bend around your inside leg. Keep your cues consistent, and reward your young equine for the smallest attempts.
You can then gradually increase the complexity of your bending exercises. Move from larger circles to smaller ones, and introduce serpentines. Be extra cautious in making sure your horse is comfortable and not stressed by the new challenges.
7. Patience and Persistence
Training a young horse takes patience and persistence. Every step forward is a victory. Consider celebrating small achievements, such as when your horse stands still for a mounting or responds correctly to a new cue. It’s important to acknowledge progress to keep both yourself and your horse motivated.
Moreover, you need to be flexible with your training goals. Each horse is unique, and they will learn at different rates. Some may pick up new skills quickly, while others may need more time.
Be sure to adjust your expectations based on your horse’s individual needs and capabilities. If something isn’t working, do not be afraid to change your approach.
While you will face ups and downs during your journey, each moment spent working with your horse is an opportunity to build a stronger bond and improve your skills. Remember to focus on the experience and the relationship you’re building rather than rushing to achieve specific milestones.
Help Your Young Horse Recover with Gladiator Equine’s Therapeutic Devices
Young horses are prone to injury, as well as developmental problems like physitis. Timely intervention and adequate treatment can prevent these physical conditions from limiting your young equine’s athletic career.
Gladiator Equine’s range of equine therapy devices can support your young horse’s health by:
- Helping them recover from their injuries faster.
- Enhancing their overall well-being.
- Complementing your equestrian routine with an additional layer of care.
With proper nutrition, periodic vet check-ups, and regular use of our therapeutic devices, you can make sure your young equine grows up healthy and strong.
Get in Touch with Gladiator Equine Today
Training young horses takes patience, consistency, and a thorough understanding of their needs. We hope these equine training tips offer more insight into how you can prepare your horse for a successful and long-lasting career.
At Gladiator Equine, we are dedicated to supporting your young equine’s journey. Our products offer therapeutic FIR solutions for equine inflammation, injuries, recovery, and wound healing. To learn more about how our products can benefit you, reach out to us today.
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