Focused Groundwork
Everyone talks about groundwork, but is your groundwork productive? Don’t just aimlessly walk over poles or longe your horse round and round in circles. Make a GOAL.
Is your horse afraid of tarps? Start with the tarp folded up and work your horse near it. Unfold it, bit by bit, until your horse can be near it without spooking.
Is your horse lazy over poles? Use a dressage whip to encourage more energy, by tapping their hip or lower legs.
Does your horse refuse to back up softly on the lead line? Make that a goal for the session to get one soft step, then two, then three and so on.
Horses love to learn, so make it fun and interesting!
Go To A Clinic
Clinics are a great way to access valuable information at a great cost. You may not be able to send your horse to a trainer, but a clinic allows you to get help from that trainer and save a little money. Look for clinics that match your skill level or slightly above. I guarantee you will go home with some exercises to try with your horse. If you can ride in the clinic, then even better!
Go To A Show
If you have never been to show, find a small schooling show. Even if you just take your horse to hang out, it is good experience for your horse. You will see what needs to be worked on in your training and relationship!
Take A Lesson In A Different Discipline
Cross training can be beneficial in so many ways. It can give you new tools in your horse training tool box. You might discover a new way to work your horse. You may even find a new favorite discipline! Taking advice from a professional in a different field doesn’t mean you have to change what you are doing, but rather add it to your repertoire.
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