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How to Train a Pleasure Horse
- 1). Start by working your horse on a halter and lead rope Walk him around an enclosed area like a corral, pasture or arena. Do not allow the horse to become pushy or to charge ahead. Stop him and make him back up if he does start to charge ahead.
- 2). Remove the lead rope and attach a longe line to the halter. Stand in one spot, and ask the horse to move around you in a circle on the longe line. Use the longe whip to provide direction and encouragement. Stop the horse often and change directions; teaching the horse to move his legs under him and turn properly is fundamental to pleasure training.
- 3). Put the saddle and bridle on the horse and ride around an arena, corral or other enclosed area. A plain snaffle is a good training bit for the young pleasure horse.
- 4). Focus on getting the horse to move in a straight line. Correct his movement with your leg cues if he begins to move off a straight line. Place your legs against the horse as he moves to get him to move his body as you want.
- 5). Work the horse in circles of varying sizes, first at a walk, then a trot and finally at a canter. Vary the speed and the size of the circles as you move, lengthening the horse's stride as the speed of the circle increases.
- 6). Do half halts with your horse as he walks around the arena. This will strengthen his hindquarters and help him push forward from the rear. To do a half halt, tighten the reins until he ceases forward motion, then immediately cue him to move forward. Continue to do half halts as you ride. Do not make them the focus of the training session, but instead use them as a part of your overall training.
- 7). Stop your horse, and cue him with your outside leg. Pick up on the inside rein at the same time. Pick up slightly on the inside rein while cuing your horse with your outside leg. This will encourage the horse to step around and pick up his front end. Perform this exercise on both sides to strengthen the horse's muscles and help him move more fluidly.
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