Horse Training Equipment-- What You Need to Know

You won't have to worry about your horse kicking or biting you, or even running away.

Herd Instinct
A horse's instinct developed from eons of running wild. Herd animals want a leader to follow; your horse, too, wants a leader to show her what to do, and we want you to be that leader. When well trained, your horse should give her head softly and submissively. The equipment you need can be found at tack stores and online. There are also many horse training videos available. You might not have to hire a professional trainer.

Where to Start
It is important to be around your horse as much as you can when she is very young so she can get used to you. Formal training can start at around age two. A lunge whip is a useful tool when doing longe training, or ground training, after you have trained the horse to walk with you on a lead. A popper cord connected to a sash cord produces a clearly recognized sound that your horse will understand.

New equipment should be introduced slowly. Let the horse sniff at it, then take it away. Next time leave it a little longer. Then put it on. A surcingle is a good way to train your horse to be ready for the saddle. It is just a strap, usually made of leather that wraps around the body of the horse, right behind the withers. It applies pressure, but not as much as a saddle.

Reins and Bits
Reins are leather straps attached to the bit; they are how the rider communicates with the horse, telling her which way to go or to stop by moving the horse's head. Draw reins can be used to help your horse be on a bit, and help the horse learn to go straight and in balance. Side reins train your horse to be "soft" in the mouth. The basic styles of bits are snaffle, curb and Pelham bits. Beginners usually prefer the snaffle bit, because it is so easy to use. Make sure the bit fits properly in the mouth of the horse, or it will cause a lot of pain.

Tack
Martingales are used to control head position in the horse, and to ensure that she doesn't throw her head up so far as to hit the rider in the face. There are several different styles used, but all work on the same principle of applying pressure to the horse's nose if the head is lifted too high. Chambons are used to develop strength in the muscles of the back and topline. They are straps attached to the surcingle that run through the legs to the bit and then to the crown.

The Reward
Remember, horses are very smart. If you take the time to train your horse, the two of you will have many fine hours together.