Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Communicating with your Horse During Training, para-rider Lily Roberts adapts to riding despite her right leg below the knee.
With her right thigh tied to the saddle and a whip in hand, she shows resilience. Trainer Chrissa Hoffmann praises Lily’s skill, noting the extra effort needed for alignment and communication without both legs.
Katie Jackson and her horse Scrabble went to a horse show at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. They’ve been practicing together since Katie bought Scrabble from Hoffmann in November 2020.
“Hoffmann explains that right now, the focus is on understanding that a skilled Grand Prix horse has many complex parts, like gears and buttons, that need careful adjustment”
We’re helping Katie by making sure her horse keeps a steady trot because sometimes he gets too excited. Since he’s good at dressage, Katie needs to be careful not to use too many half-halts, or he might start doing a type of trot that doesn’t fit well with his style.
“Hoffmann mentioned something else unique to Katie: her horse can move a lot and has a big stride. So, Katie has been working hard to improve her position in the saddle, focusing on using her seat to control the horse’s larger movements.”
Katie Jackson has become skilled at riding mainly using her seat, effectively managing the bigger movements of her Grand Prix horse Scrabble. © Stephanie J. Ruff .
About Chrissa Hoffmann
Chrissa Hoffmann is recognized as an accomplished Grand Prix rider with experience at the international level, having been under consideration for the U.S.
Equestrian Team in 2009. She holds bronze, silver, and gold medals from the U.S. Dressage Federation. Furthermore, she operates CFH Dressage, which is based in Vero Beach, Florida.
As the lesson progresses, Hoffmann offers valuable advice that applies to all riders, not just those with disabilities.
Tips for Communicating with your Horse During Training
Learn simple yet effective tips to improve communication with your horse during training, boosting your partnership and performance while riding. Here are 20 key points she shares.
- During horse training exercises, effective communication is key to building a strong bond and achieving success
- Begin with a gentle warm-up, allowing your horse to stretch and find comfort in a natural trot.
- If your horse responds better to feeling your seat, try a sitting trot.
- Sometimes, your horse may struggle to stay straight on one side.
- Opening your shoulder on that side can help open the chest and improve alignment.
- Maintain steady gaits by keeping your horse in front of your leg and seat.
- When asking for more speed, ensure your horse covers more ground while keeping the gaits regular.
- Remember, your seat acts as a driving aid, encouraging your horse to engage their hind legs.
- When schooling flying changes, avoid rushing or becoming tense.
- Stay calm and sit evenly to achieve smooth transitions.
- Rushing can lead to a desperate feeling, which isn’t helpful for you or your horse.
- Focus on maintaining a relaxed yet attentive demeanor.
- Keep your aids clear and consistent to guide your horse effectively.
- Monitor your horse’s response and adjust your cues accordingly.
- By communicating clearly and remaining patient, you can build a strong partnership with your horse during training.
- Breathe steadily when working with your horse to stay calm and connected.
- Sing quietly to keep breathing smoothly, matching your horse’s movements.
- Keep your gaze gentle to show calmness and encourage a positive response from your horse.
- Use focused eyes for clear cues, but switch to soft eyes for a harmonious connection.
- Keep elbows loose and use gentle pressure with your fingers to communicate effectively with your horse.
Download your free PowerPoint presentation on “Communicating with your horse during training” to enhance your equine communication skills.
Note: You can check out Chrissa Hoffmann’s training series on OnDemand.DressageToday.com. In these videos, you’ll see Chrissa working with a para-rider, riding an experienced school master, and helping a horse with a tongue problem. Plus, you can sign up for a 10-day free trial when you subscribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Some Simple Horse Groundwork Exercises to Earn Respect?
Simple horse groundwork exercises for respect involve teaching your horse to respond to pressure, respect your space, and follow your commands promptly.
These include leading, backing up, yielding hindquarters, and desensitization. They’re crucial for building trust and respect, laying a solid foundation for further training.
What are Some Groundwork Exercises for Spooky Horses?
In ground training horses, using pole work is helpful. This means putting poles on the ground and guiding the horse to walk over them calmly and confidently. It builds trust between you and your horse, boosting their confidence and improving their balance and coordination
How to Build Trust with your Horse?
To build trust with your horse, spend quality time together, communicate clearly, and be patient. Consistency, kindness, and positive reinforcement are essential for strengthening your bond.
What are Some Bonding Exercises for Horses?
Bonding exercises for horses include spending quality time together through grooming, ground work, and activities such as trail rides or liberty training.
Consistent, gentle handling and positive reinforcement help build trust and strengthen the relationship between you and your horse.
What are Some Enjoyable Groundwork Exercises for Horses?
Fun groundwork exercises for horses include obstacle courses, pole work, and liberty training. These engaging activities not only stimulate your horse mentally and physically but also strengthen trust and communication between you and your equine companion.
Why is Groundwork Important for Horses?
Groundwork is crucial for horses because it builds trust, improves communication, and boosts obedience and responsiveness. It also helps them develop balance, coordination, and confidence, making handling and riding safer and more enjoyable.
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