Spring is in the Air! Ways to Tame an Energetic Horse

Spring is here, which means warmer weather is sure to follow. This is the time horse enthusiasts start to get excited about riding again. It's also the time that horses get excited about stretching their legs! In the next couple of weeks we'll go over ways you can safely ride even the most excited horse.

Your first line of defense is to know your horse. If you've had your horse for a spring or more you probably have a good idea about what your horse is capable of. If this is your first spring with a new or young horse you're going to want to make sure you know how your horse reacts to scary situations. These exercises are good refreshers for more experienced horses too.

One of the best ways to determine how a horse will react to a scary situation, without putting them in one, is to ask them to relinquish their ability to flee. The exercise I will describe is a lateral flexion exercise.

Lateral flexion is described as the ability of the horse to move its head from side to side. A horse with good lateral flexion will follow the lightest pressure from the lead rope or reins.


Lateral Flexion from the Ground
Equipment:

• Halter (any halter should work, although I've never had much luck with halters that have the sliding chin loops)
• Lead rope

Description of the exercise:

1. Fit your halter so that the noseband sits a little lower than usual. Make sure it is solid and snug your horse will probably be putting a lot of pressure on it. Attach lead rope to the chin ring.
2. Stand just behind your horse's right shoulder.
3. Hold the lead rope in your left hand so there is slack in the lead rope when you place your hand on your horse's withers and your horse is looking straight ahead.
4. Anchor your left hand on your horse's withers and slide your right hand down the lead rope as far as you can comfortably reach without moving your feet.
5. Bring your right hand up to your horse's withers and hold it there.
6. Your horse should bend his head toward his right shoulder and follow the pressure of the lead rope. Ideally this will all be done with the lightest pressure and your horse will hold his head in position without any pressure on the lead rope until you release the lead rope with your right hand.
7. If you are able to do this wait 5 seconds then drop the lead rope with your right hand. (Keep holding it with your left hand.) Reward your horse when he tries to do the right thing, even if his response is not completely what you want. If he is working toward your goal reward your horse both verbally and physically. Verbal reward can be telling your horse he is doing a good job or doing it right. The physical reward is the release of pressure, either by himself or by your release.
8. Repeat this exercise at least 5 times on both the left and right sides.

My horse moves away and won't let me stand by its side much less pull its head around.
            The key with this exercise is to stay with your horse and let him know that you are more patient than he is. Keep your left hand anchored on your horse's withers, this way you will be able to stay with your horse no matter how fast he tries to get away from you. Make sure your horse's head is bent some right away. When your horse's head is bent he is more likely to just circle around you than he is to take off in a different direction.

            As soon as your horse hesitates about moving for the first time bring your right hand off his withers and give a little bit of slack in the lead rope. The slack lead rope is the release and reward for your horse. If your horse continues to move bring your right hand back up to your horse's withers and wait until your horse stops completely (i.e. no feet are moving).

My horse leans on the lead rope and won't soften.
            Make sure your lead rope is short enough so your horse has to bend, but not so short that your horse can't bring his head closer to his shoulder. Other than that you just have to wait until your horse tries to release the pressure himself. As soon as he does that reward him profusely, this is where verbal rewards come in handy.

This is one of the most basic exercises for improving your horse's lateral flexion. This exercise also sets up your one-rein stop, or emergency stop, which is your most important tool no matter what horse you ride or where you ride. You can also perform this exercise under saddle; I'll go over the particulars of how to do that next week.

If you have any specific questions you can post comments or email me at miragesc03@gmail.com

Disclaimer: Horses are inherently dangerous and unpredictable. This blog is meant as a guide for horse handlers and is presented in the safest manner possible, however as the handler of the horse you must exercise your own judgment about the safety of yourself, your horse and others. Western Mirage Stable and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any damage or injury resulting from the handling of any horse.