Training
There are many different training methods and nearly every trainer uses a different one.
I personally do not believe in using just one training method. I think it all depends on the horse, it's character, it's strength and so on. One needs to get to know the horse and the horse needs to get to know the rider before starting the training. It's all about trust and ranking.
Fortunately, horses and humans are never too old to learn new ways or change bad habits.
The horse's past is helpful in developing a lesson plan but when we start training, I deal with today only. We can't change the fact that someone has mistreated the horse or that someone has trained it badly, so it's pointless spending time dwelling on it. The problem is NOW. Sometimes we get so caught up in the cause of the problem that we lose focus on what we can do to change the horse for the better, TODAY.
The horse is a very adaptable animal, more so than a human, and quite capable of changing its behavioral patterns once given the opportunity to make it's own decisions. Horses by nature will always look for the easy way out of an uncomfortable situation. So buy releasing the pressure when the horse offers the desired response and allowing the horse to relax and think about what has just taken place, this is how we are able to educate and establish desirable behavioral patters with the horse.
The great trainers from all disciplines believe that no horse is either vicious or beyond being educated. Educating horses is a cumulative journey, each step will build on the information presented in previous lessons. I believe patience, knowledge and forgiveness are the only traits we need to educate a horse.
I like to have a talk to the owner or rider of the horse, before starting to work on it. Mainly to find out the level the horse and the rider are at and to be able to assess the horse properly. I also like to know what the plans with the horse are: competition, showing, dressage, jumping, etc.
So that we can work on it together and can reach the target you set your self.
Lunging can be a good addition to training, but a horse can't be trained by lunging only.
It can be a good way to work the horse when you don't have time to ride, because that way the horse is moving better than running on a paddock. I don't mean just on the halter and let it run in a circle but with either a saddle or a lunge girth and with the bridle. Also with side reins so the horse can't just play around but has to work and move properly. There are many different ways to lunge a horse and work a horse on the lunge, it all depends on the level the horse/rider is at and how stiff or flexible it is.
Having said that; Ground work is very important in training. It's good to take a horse into the round yard every now and then just to show the horse who's the boss and of course to build up trust.
The horse will be much more willing when you start slowly and in a relaxing way (still with authority and a target in your mind though).
One of the most important things in training is a good warm up. Warm up walking with loose reins will relax the horse as well as the rider. It's the same in trot, loose reins at the start and just make the horse go forward to stretch and get the blood flowing.
It is the same for horses as for humans, we need to stretch and warm up our muscles before we can perform properly.
One just has to take the time to warm up properly and also cooling down after work.
A proper warm up and cool down will certainly improve the horse's performance!
Training a horse takes a lot of time and you have to be very patient! Rushing won't get you anywhere.
If you plan to compete or show the horse it needs to train at least 5 days a week if not 6. It's always good to work from Tuesday to Sunday and let the horse have Monday off. Most Competitions are over the weekends and after competing the horse deserves a day off I would say.
If you don't have the strength or time to ride 6 days the horse should definitely be lunged the days you are not riding so the horse stays fit and in shape.
It can be differnt with young horses, you need to get a feel for it. Sometimes young horses need a break; not a whole week off, but work only ever second day instead of every day for example.
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