The education of a horse is a path strewn with pitfalls but also great satisfaction. In order to build a strong and lasting relationship, it is essential to adopt methods based on respect, there trust and mutual understanding. In this article, we will explore the fundamental pillars that allow us to forge a special bond with your equine companion, whether for leisure,horse riding competitive or for the simple joy of sharing a life with these majestic animals. We offer you a guide oriented towards ethological training, there freedom of horse, THE exercises suitable for work on foot and the way oflearn At rider how to interact with sound horse. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world ofethological horse riding.
Establish a solid foundation: trust and respect
The education of a horse begins with establishing a relationship based on trust and the respect. These two elements are the foundation on which your entire interaction with the animal will be built. A confident horse is a companion who feels secure with his rider, while respect mutual ensures that everyone’s limitations are recognized and honored.
To begin, it is essential to spend time with your horse, beyond the sessions of work formal. Observe him in his environment, learn to recognize his moods and his body language. A gentle and patient approach is key to winning the trust of your mount.
THE work on foot is a great way to start thelearning, especially with a young horse. This involves basic exercises such as following in the wild, responding to simple voice commands and accepting manipulations such as touching your hands. legs or the lifting of feet. These interactions allow you to establish your place as a caring leader in the life of the horse.
The ethological method: a gentle approach
L’ethological horse riding is rooted in understanding the natural behavior of horses, and uses this knowledge to develop a teaching method that respects the animal. This approach favors freedom of action of horse and seeks to establish clear and non-coercive communication.
In this perspective, the observation of horse to understand its language is essential. Every movement, every reaction is valuable information about his emotional state. By understanding this language, the rider can adjust its own body language to communicate effectively and respectfully with their horse.
THE exercises ethological are often based on games that mentally and physically stimulate the horse. They strengthen the relationship and the trust, while providing a framework oflearning pleasant. For example, guiding your horse through a free-range obstacle course is not only fun, but also very educational.
Working on foot: more than a discipline, a dialogue
THE work on foot is often overlooked by many riders who focus solely on mounted riding. However, it represents a fundamental facet of the education of horse and strengthens the horse-rider relationship. This is a great opportunity to build communication off the horse’s back, where the rider is more vulnerable and the horse is more likely to flee or assert itself.
THE walking exercises include clear guidelines where the horse learns to follow directions such as going backwards, moving sideways, or coming towards the rider on call. These exercises require patience and consistency, and must always be performed calmly to maintain trust and the respect mutual.
Working on foot also promotes a better understanding of the horse for the rider. It becomes easier to detect small lameness or discomfort as soon as they appear, and thus be able to act quickly to well-being of the animal.
From the ground to the saddle: a smooth transition
When the rider and the horse have established a strong relationship trust and of respect on foot, the transition to mounted work occurs naturally. Signals learned on the ground can be transferred to the saddle, making communication between man and animal more fluid and intuitive.
It is important to proceed with this step with caution and continue to listen to the horse. The first time the rider gets on the back of his horse is a crucial moment. It should be a positive experience for the horse, without pressure or fear. Once in the saddle, the rider can use their own body to communicate with the horse, applying communication techniques. work in freedom but with the additional proximity that riding allows.
Learning to ride must respect the rhythm of the horse, with a gradual progression and an alternation between mounted work and work on foot, to maintain the trust. It is important to remember that every horse is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.
Conclusion & Opinion
Educate a horse requires time, patience and a thorough understanding of the animal. The fundamentals of this education lie in the capacity of the rider to establish a relationship of trust and of respect with his horse. By relying on methods such asethology and the work on foot, THE rider can build effective communication that will serve as a solid foundation for any form of further learning.
It is important to remember that every horse is an individual, with his own personality and needs. As riders, we must learn to read and respond to these signals, adapting our techniques to ensure that education is carried out with respect for their well-being.
The education of a horse is never finished; it is an ongoing process, a conversation that lasts throughout life. By respecting these basic principles and remaining attentive to the needs of your companion, you will be able to enjoy a trust which will enrich life as much as horse only rider.
*Updated 19 July 2024