Join-Up

This video demonstrates initial groundwork exercises designed to build a connection with your horse and encourage them to willingly follow your lead. The focus is on gentle communication and establishing a partnership, not on scaring the horse.

You’ll see how the presenter approaches the horse calmly, establishes eye contact, and uses gentle movements to encourage the horse to move off and change direction. The importance of the handler’s confident body language is emphasized, ensuring the horse can see and follow them. Maintaining visual connection in these early stages is key.

Full Join Up™ Guidance Join IH Trainer Sandra Williams for a demonstration of Intelligent Horsemanship methods for starting a young horse (or working with a new one). You’ll see a full Join-Up™, adhering to IH ‘guidelines to starting young horses’.

This video covers: a straight Join-Up™; safe tack introduction (training saddle/normal saddle & breast strap); a second send away with saddle (stirrups rolled); invitation in; correctly fitting hobble (with twist); long lining (walk, trot, 2 x direction changes, back up); safe line removal; introduction of rider (stroking, hobble as neck strap, attaching reins); safe leg-up positions (including showing offside eye); rider on (safe tight circles, hind leg stepping under); moving to a larger circle (if confident); safe rider removal; safe exit; self-tack removal; stroke, walk, safe pen exit. Throughout, we emphasise safety awareness and clear communication, demonstrating the initial stages of preparing a horse for ridden work using IH principles.

This episode of “Horsemanship Essentials” demonstrates techniques for helping horses overcome their fear of clippers. Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks guide viewers through a step-by-step process using horses with real fears of clipping.

Horsemanship Essentials – Phobia Of Cows Featuring Kelly Marks, Monty Roberts and Team This episode documents Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks works with Calypso, a Thoroughbred cross Irish sports horse […]

This episode of Top Marks documents the initial activities and challenges faced by a team preparing for a horse demonstration event in Dorset. The programme focuses on assessing horses for suitability, addressing behavioural issues, and introducing young horses to the demonstration environment.

Addressing Equine Fears and Building Trust Through Understanding and Patience. This episode of “Top Marks – Facing Fears” focuses on addressing various behavioural challenges in horses through understanding, patience, and positive training techniques. The programme features demonstrations and discussions around horses with specific fears and anxieties.

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