There's a large variety of groundwork to help your youngster and we have a great collection of videos on Horse Hero. From lunging to long reining, work in hand to tricks training, all help to improve communication with your horse and prepare him for work under saddle.
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Lungeing a young horse, with Laura Bechtolsheimer |
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| Laura lunges her new 4 year old, Stepdance (known as Step), in preparation for riding him. She explains why she does this and shows the Bechtolsheimer's preferred equipment for lungeing, which is both simple and unusual! Laura talks about how she uses body language, why moving around the arena with the horse is important and how being on the lunge has helped Step go from 'trotting for a 10' (he was trained to do this for the sales in Germany, where they recently bought him) to being able to just chill! |
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Dr Bechtolsheimer long reins a youngster |
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| "A cool head and patience" is what's required, says Dr B! Demonstrating on the lovely 5 year old Step, he explains how long reining helps youngsters to understand the contact and by using transitions and the half halt, how they are encouraged to carry more weight behind, all without the hindrance of a rider! He shows us how and where to attach the reins and offers some clever tips with equipment. Dr B also explains when to use a roller or a saddle and shows the places from which the right contact for each horse can be established. In time, he says, long reining can be used to prepare pirouettes, piaffe and passage. His calmness is a tonic! |
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Starting a 3 year old with long reins |
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| Irish show jumper Shane Breen is a master at long reining. Shane says this traditional form of ground work is a vital part of his young horses' education. It helps to familiarise with surroundings and also start their school-work, teaching them balance and even flying changes. This pony hasn't yet been backed but has been driven around Hickstead and is being schooled for the first time in this video. Shane explains his tack, show how to use the reins, where to stand, how to change direction and deal with any napping. Though green, the pony is accommodating and not only canters on long reins for the first time but even manages a flying change! |
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Lunging & work in hand with a young Lusitano stallion |
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| Classical Portuguese dressage trainer Francisco de Braganca starts the five year old stallion Alecrim (meaning 'beautiful flower') with work in hand. "Groundwork is a Pas de Deux between horse and rider", says Francisco. "Working face to face, you see the whole horse and he understands the man." Francisco explains what lunging gear he is using and why. He moves the horse around using the long sides as well as the circle. He then starts lateral work in hand. "Groundwork is preparation for acceptance of the rider", Francisco says. He moves the horse with the whip in place of the leg and achieves shoulder-in as well as leg yield. |
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Getting a young horse used to plastic and poles |
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| Dr Diamond Maker (Beau) is a slightly spooky three year old Quarter Horse. He's come to behaviourist Sarah Fisher for some early education with poles and plastic. Sarah uses a body wrap to help Beau be more aware of his body. She explains how to lead and allow the horse to halt to improve his balance which is a little awkward as he is croup high at this point in his development. Polework consolidates his learning. Beau is introduced to plastic and bravely walks on it too! Sarah demonstrates hows how to teach a young horse to pick up its legs. She also points out subtle behaviour often missed in training which shows us how the horse is really reacting. |
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Teach your horse some tricks! |
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| Tricks trainer and performer Rosie Howard from Jive Pony teaches Aristo, a young unbroken stallion a few tricks. Aristo quickly learns to kiss, cross his legs and shake his head, on demand. Rosie says it's about using your imagination and that of your horse, creating a strong association between a cue and an action, then repetition, consistency, patience and reward! According to Rosie, "tricks are a great way to enjoy your horse and enhance your relationship with him; they are also a clever way to get focused quickly when you need to at a show!" Rosie demonstrates the fully trained tricks on her obliging youngster Caspar! |
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Advanced work in hand with Francisco de Braganca |
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| Classical dressage trainer Francisco de Braganca works in hand with his Advanced six year old Lusitano stallion. "Ground work is the best preparation for riding" says Francisco, who demonstrates his training method combining a cavesson and a bridle. Moving the stallion with a hand on the shoulder and using a traditional Portuguese stick behind the girth, Franciso creates an understanding of bend, simulates a light contact with the mouth as well as leg pressure. He shows lateral moves including shoulder-in and travers on a straight line and on a circle, plus leg-yield and the start of half-pass. He also stresses the use of voice. |
