As you're acquiring your equestrian horse back riding training knowledge and getting enthusiastic about practising your horse training - you need to organise your tools and training areas so they're on hand and available when you need them. Just as cricket players wouldn't train or play amongst briars or on scrubby pitches and practise in specifically designed nets to improve their focus, you also need to have access to a variety of practise areas, so as your comfort and confidence increases with your horse back riding and horse handling skills training - you can then graduate to larger areas - WHY?- because until you've calmly and gently proven to your horse that you are in fact the leader, if they know they have the advantage and you let them show disrespect to you by the horse not stopping, or slowing when asked or they take off with you on their back unasked, they have gained leadership and won't feel the need to demonstrate respect to you.
Areas you need access to are:
A yard;
A 22 ft round yard;
A 40 x 60 ft arena or fenced area of a size similar to that;
One acre;
Larger acres, a track or trail.
Remember - your horse doesn't have the same view of YOU that you do - when you walk into a paddock of 9 horses, there is a pecking order - number 1 is the boss and number 9 is lowest ranking - when YOU walk in the paddock they ALL SAY here comes number 10! That's right they think they can boss you! - That's why learning the art of gentle communication and leadership is so important. When your horse is comfortable, you are confident and comfortable with your training and know that you have leadership, riding on the trail is relaxing for YOUR HORSE and you can practise a training move every now and then, get it right and go on enjoying the trail.
Many horses that have trouble with the bridle and bit prefer and respond kindly to the "Natural Hackamore", as they soften in the body and all of their stiff unwanted muscle memories due to 'opposition reflex' to the bit disappear and they look forward to their work. NOTE: You need to learn about the "Hackamore" and demonstrate effective use and skill at directing, stopping and slowing your horse using the "Hackamore or halter" in the round yard and arena before attempting to use it on the trail.
Tools that you need for effective training are:
A natural halter with knots - like one by Nungar Knots;
A natural Hackamore with reins;
A loose ring jointed bit snaffle bit - a sweet iron bit is nicer for your horse;
A plain bridle with No Cavesson or dropped nose band - this is replaced by effective training;
Sports mans reins;
A 12 and 22 ft lead rope.
The 12 and 22 foot lines allow your horse to respond to you from a distance and show you respect, or if frightened to move away impulsively but still have a connection with you. These tools allow you to communicate to your horse in a way that builds the horses comfort and allows you to also build your comfort levels when you train your horse and advance your equestrian horse back riding skills.
