Horse Training Exercises

The exercises presented here are loosely based on several natural horsemanship techniques with an emphasis on the physiology of the horse and the psychology and principles behind horse instincts, language, learning, and trust. (see Natural Horsemanship)

We highly recommend that you read the many sections in the Horse Training Theory section of this blog. Those explain the “Whys” to these Exercises.

A sound understanding of what motivates a horse to react in any certain way under a particular circumstance will help you to extrapolate into new training lessons or unfamiliar activities. ie:  If you know how a horse sees, it might help you to understand that moving into a dark horse trailer from a bright sunny day may intimidate a horse because he cannot quickly adjust to the light change and cannot see inside the “open box”. (see Horse Vision)

There are hundreds of examples of horse physiology and psychology informing your training methods.

We certainly don’t know everything. Please share your expertise and experiences. Comment on what is already written or Suggest a Category and Educate us about it. Grow Horse-Pros.com©

2 thoughts on “Horse Training Exercises

    1. I ride without a bit all of the time. The danger is only there if the horse is poorly trained or very reactive. A bit is used to reinforce a behavior if the horse lapses in his response to the needed maneuver. Then the bit is employed to remind him that he must comply with the request.

      A bit is sometimes used in advanced riding to get him (through mouth pressure) to alter a part of posture or position such as bring his head down or shoulder up. It is used with other aids, which eventually substitute for the bit. Then he works understanding the other aids.

      The most frequent reason that weekend riders ride with a bit is because they don’t trust the horse to stop in an emergency situation. Training, training, training.

      Bits are very complicated and rarely used properly. There is a lot to to study and understand. Start by reading the bit section of this document, then continue to ask professional trainers.

      I would recommend that you study some method of training such as Clinton Anderson or Pat Parelli, train your horse thoroughly using their techniques, and then see if you need a bit.

      Also remember, there are many different opinions, and mine is only one.

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