What horse training equipment do I really need?
However, in our experience, the choice of training equipment required to school your horse or correct problem behaviour is secondary to the following;
Here is some information about the horse training equipment that we use, and recommend to our clients...Rope Halter & Long LineThe rope halter or 'natural horsemanship halter' and long line will be a primary method of communicating with your horse when training from the ground, and in our opinion is an essential part of your horse training equipment. As with all methods of communication, your aim is to get the right response with the subtlest of cues, so the design of the halter will apply pressure on an exact concentrated area - as soon as the horse responds, the pressure of the halter is immediately released. The best rope halters are made from a 'marine' type of braided rope, which is light and pliable and won't cut or rub the horse - they should be tied or knotted, with no buckles or metal fixings. The long line used with a rope halter is much longer than the traditional 6 ft 'lead rope' - we recommend you start with a 3.6 metres (12 ft) long line, but lines of up to 18 metres (60ft) are available, and can be used to keep control when schooling in large open areas. Lunge cavesson, lunge line & lunge whipLungeing (or Longeing) should be part of any training programme - it will teach your horse to respond to your body language and voice commands, as well as improving gaits and helping develop balance and rhythm. It is well worth investing in the correct lungeing equipment, as using a normal headcollar can be dangerous and will not help you in getting the best results. A lungeing cavesson (or caveson) is a sturdy head collar specifically designed for this purpose. There are three rings attached to the noseband - one in the centre and two either side. Attaching the lunge line to the centre ring allows you to change directions on the circle without having to stop and change the line. The two side rings can be used to attach side reins or long lines. The lunge line (or longe) should be around 10 metres (30 ft), to allow for a circle diameter of 20 metres (60 ft). Unlike the rope natural horsemanship long line, lunge lines are usually made of flat woven material. Your lunge whip should be at least 1.8 metres (6 ft) long, with a lash of approximately the same length - this will allow you to remain at a safe distance, while remaining in control. Side reinsSide Reins are another essential item of horse training equipment that can be used when lungeing or riding.
To use side reins with the lungeing cavesson or bridle, attach from the two side rings of the cavesson or bit to either the surcingle rings or the girth. Adjust the side reins so they are the same length on either side. Make sure you adjust the length of the side reins to suit the experience and fitness/condition of your horse - avoid shortening too far and forcing a horse to flex beyond its capabilities. For the training arena...
Finally, one of the 'must haves' in our horse training equipment kit - the traffic cone! We always have a selection of cones (or similar) for marking out a training area. Use the marker cones to;
...also, it is useful to have at least 6 trotting poles and mini jump blocks (to raise the poles off the ground) for ground schooling, and some lightweight 'PolyJumps' blocks and poles for grid-work.Purchasing training equipment for your horseWhatever you want to do with your horse or whatever level you are currently working at, if you would like Equisecrets to help you with planning a training program or guide you through your training, please complete our Contact Form so we can discuss your specific request |
Need advice on horse training equipment?
To find out how EquiSecrets can help you and your horse:
Call Faris Collins BHSI on 07779 580796 Or Complete our contact form Favourite Horse Quotes‘It excites me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower.....even in this space age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton, and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder, and challenge’ Marguerite Henry |
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As you are probably aware, there is a vast array of horse training equipment around - ranging from the simple to the scary!! Over the years we have experimented with different training aids and investigated the 'latest' contraption that promises to train even the most difficult horse in "double quick time", or with "no effort from you"!!
