i would like to know some training tools to help get my hunter mare into the right headset, other then a martingale. What are some good training tools that could aid me? I work my mare up and down hills a few times a week and know she has the muscle to carry her head correctly! Thanks so much

Draw reins work great if used correctly. It reminds the horse of the proper head carriage. I usually use them the first half of a training session, then take them off for the 2nd half.

In a few days I’m going to ride a horse that I might buy. He was originally ridden English, then did western for a few years, and now is getting back into English and jumping. (He is currently jumping 2-3′ courses, so he knows how to jump). I know how to ride, and have a good seat and aids, etc. But I have only ridden well trained horses (or at least haven’t had to make major training changes with greener horses) and don’t have much experience with actually TEACHING a horse. However, when I go to ride this horse, I want my instructor (who will be there) to see that I can work with the horse and get him back into the groove of jumping/English riding again. Does anybody have any suggestions for how to fix common jumping or training problems that I might encounter? The horse is very calm, so there won’t be behavioral issues, just training. I have no idea what to expect, but some suggestions in this area would be much appreciated.

(By the way, I know how to jump, but I’ve only ridden somewhat experienced jumpers, and just want to know how to quickly fix issues that might arise. Refusing and running out aren’t going to be a problem either; plus I know how to fix that. Problems with training a horse to go from Western to English would also be good)

Thank you!

Also, I am not an inexperienced rider who is about to take on a project horse. This is a calm horse who just needs a refresher course. I just need some good training tips, and I CAN ride a horse that isn’t perfect. I have enough confidence and skill to do that. I just wanted to get that out of the way! And I know this question includes asking for millions of little training tidbits, but just ones you think I might encounter would be fine.

Last thing,(seriously!) The horse is a 10 year old QH gelding.

If you feel most comfortable, have the owner of the horse walk/trot/canter and pop over a few jumps so that you can see how the horse goes before you give it a try. This way, if you can consistantly see that the horse chips in or takes every long spot known to man, you can prepare yourself to either keep a LOT of leg on at the base of the jump to take care of that chip in or to grab mane and be ready to possibly be left behind a couple of times before you get the hang of things. You will also have an idea of how the horse will jump (aka flat "laid bad" jumper or bascules…aka rounds out and knocks you out of the tack).

Have the owner pop the horse over a crossrail a few times and maybe a brushbox/flower box, small vertical and oxer (or, just ask if you could see the horse over a small 2′-2′3 course).

When in doubt, ask the owner of the horse any questions about the horse’s way of going, temperments, etc. (because we all know at some point, a horse WILL throw a temper tantrum…some of them are really easy to ride through and others are definitley not so much fun).

Hi, I have a 16.2hh Thouroughbred that I have reached a bit of a block with in my dressage training. We currently compete at British Eventing Pre-Novice level but I am struggling to get him to use his hind quarters and lift through his back. He is light in front and will lift but only ever seems to take short baby steps with his front feet. I’ve been told that my position and aids are good and correct, please someone tell me where I’m going wrong?!

Well it could be many things, One could be that he’s just not comfortable doing the things your asking, it may take some time and patience, if you work gently with him you might see a change. Then again it could be somethings wrong with his feet, back, withers, he might be sore, and is being hesitant because it hurts to do so, check with a vet. Also check your tack. Sometimes your saddle can fit to tight and rub on his withers, that could be a reason too. So don’t get to frustrated until you have searched all the other possible solutions to your problem. Ask your trainer as well, it could be a past problem he horse has had and is now shy to use his hind quarters. Theses are all possible problems. Be patient with, there is always a reason why every horse does something contrary to what we want them too. Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. Good luck!

Iv got a arab x section d yearling colt.. he will b 2 in July.. im going 2 start lunging him soon but i wanted 2 know if it is to soon to use a training system on him ? the reason i want 2 use one is because he is starting 2 develop an ewe neck and by using a traning aid it will encourage the muscle 2 develop correctley … but because hes still young will it damage him … i will only be lunging him for about 5 minitues on each rein and i will gradually introduse the training system .. this is what it looks like …http://www.ingatestonesaddlery.co.uk/Horse/lungeing/training-aids/John-Whitaker-training-system-100494.aspx
He is feild kept which means his food is always on the floor…

Instead of resorting to training gadgets on such a young horse, try feeding him from the floor (including his hay). The only reason a young horse will develop a ewe neck is if it is eating regularly from a haynet tied too high, or because it’s basic conformation isn’t great. Trying to change his head carriage, by resorting to gadgets, will not be beneficial in the long term.

Go easy when introducing work on the lunge. It can easily strain young joints and tendons. If you want this horse to remain sound for it’s long term future, don’t push it too hard too young. I don’t start youngsters on the lunge until they are at least three years old.