7 Basic Exercises Every Horse Owner Should Know

This document, “7 Skills All Horse Owners Should Know,” by IHRA Sandra Williams, focuses on building a solid foundation with young horses before you even think about riding them. It’s all about establishing a strong bond and safe leadership through seven key ground-handling exercises. The main takeaway? Mastering these basics is absolutely crucial for both your safety and your horse’s well-being.

The document outlines these seven exercises:

• Stand Still: Teaching your horse to remain stationary on command, using clear hand signals and positive reinforcement.
• Walk as You Walk: Getting your horse to walk calmly alongside you, maintaining pace and direction.
• Stop as You Stop: Training your horse to halt immediately when you do.
• Back Up: Teaching your horse to move backwards in response to light pressure.
• Step the Shoulders Across: Moving the horse’s shoulders laterally using a rope and your body language.
• Move the Quarters Over: Moving the horse’s hindquarters laterally using body language and rope cues.
• Head Lowering: Training your horse to lower its head in response to gentle pressure.

The document emphasises clear communication, using hand signals and consistent requests. It also highlights the importance of immediate correction when the horse doesn’t respond correctly, and using positive reinforcement, like a rub between the eyes, to reward good behaviour.