Some Horse Training Methods For The Beginning Jumper
Here are some basic horse training methods for the beginning jumper:
1. Start slow. Build your horses confidence gradually. Most young horses are not afraid, but may be uncertain about what exactly it is you want them to do. Warm up with flatwork first, and make sure he is responsive to your commands on the flat before attempting any jumping training.
2. Try low. Start with low jumps that the horse can take at any speed, or even from a halt. Refusal should not be an option. Do not let him turn away or you will set a bad precedent. Instead let him hop over even if he is at a standstill.
3. Go with the flow. Most green horses take jumps in weird and awkward positions. Just go along with it, hang onto his mane if you have to. Just stay on and try not to jerk on the reins while going over. This may be a difficult horse training methods to follow, but its a good tip nonetheless.
4. Trotting is the way to go. Taking jumps at a trot helps your horse to learn how to jump correctly. It also encourages him to approach the obstacles in a calm and collected manner.
5. Start with what you know. If your horse is able to take jumps at a canter for the first time today, go back to taking the jumps at a trot tomorrow before trying the canter again. Its best to build on the skills one step at a time.
6. Oh no. Loss of confidence during a training session simply requires you to lower the jump, and to let your horse try again. Go as low as you need to in order to get his confidence back. Or try again with a fence he is familiar with.
7. A little help. Try to get someone to help you set up or take down the fences. Taking too long between jumps, especially if your horse is having problems, will just give him too much time to brood about whatever it is he didnt like about it in the first place.