subject: Top Horse Training Methods [print this page] First time horse owners can find that there are a lot of training methods they can use to educate their horses. These methods stem from different disciplines, and can cater to different sets of owners and horses. The important thing is to find which one best appeals to you, and which you think will work best for you and your horse.
Dressage. This is a special method in horse training which incorporates art into teaching the horse. Even considered as a form of dance and gymnastics, this method teaches horses side steps and high steps. Based on precision moves, horses trained through dressage do not compete against other horses, but based on a set standard which they have to meet. They will be judged based on their balance, rhythm, suppleness, relaxation and other factors.
Eventing. When you train a horse for eventing, you will have to cover three different methods of training which are dressage, show jumping and cross country. This may prove to be a highly difficult level of education, but shows rewards both for the owner and the horse. A sub-class of this training method is called combined test, wherein both dressage and show jumping are tackled, but not cross country.
Cutting. This practice is an equestrian style from the West which judges horses based on their ability to go through a herd and livestock. They would need to "cut" and isolate animals from everything else in the group. Highly athletic and strong, these horses are usually given only a couple of minutes to cut three cows from one large group. Competitors should meet standards on intelligence, style, speed and their ability to do starts, turns and stops.
Barrel racing. The term explains itself. Horses are trained to race against each other while going around barrels. Though horses do not go all at the same time, each one is timed and judged based on speed and their ability to go through obstacles they will encounter through the race. Unlike other methods of training such as dressage and eventing, barrel racing does not require horses to be precise and graceful, but they simply have to go through the obstacles as fast as possible.
Trail riding. Horses which are trained to navigate through trails can be used for competitions wherein the horses need to be able to navigate through trails. However, this training method is used only for recreation purposes which both the owner and the horse can enjoy.
