If you have a passion for horses and you want to take it a few steps further into the world of training horses, you may not be sure where to start. Here are a few ideas that can help you become a true equestrian and develop a healthier, more productive relationship with your horse.

Know Why You Want to Start Training Horses

This isn’t something to casually begin. To learn how to train a horse takes a dedicated effort. You should have some goals that you want to accomplish. Do you want to ride alone or with other horses? Or, do you want to compete in dressage events? Barrel racing? Whatever your goals are, listing them out will help you to come up with a plan and a timeline to accomplish them. This may be a serious sport, but you’ll also want to be having some serious fun.

Get the Right Horse for You and Your Needs

This is tied to the first step. After you figure out what your goals are, you should assess yourself. Are you new to horses in general or an experienced equestrian? An inexperienced rider does not necessarily need to be paired with a young horse. Picking the right horse is both a science and an art. You may fall in love with a horse that isn’t right for your experience level and needs, which could make for a sad and brief union. But do trust your gut while making an educated choice. This will prevent both heartache and other aches and pains from dealing with a horse that you’re unable to train. When in doubt, it helps to ask more experienced riders and trainers for advice.

Work with an Experienced Local Trainer

You can accompany a trainer to the various jobs he or she may have and learn from his or her direct experiences. Also, while training your horse, you can consult with him or her about your training needs and challenges. Although horses may feel like a part of the family, they do not act like people. Learning about how horses behave from another trainer will help you avoid some painful training pitfalls.

Teach your Horse Some Manners

Teaching your horse how to be safe around you and other people is essential for a successful relationship with your horse, as well as for proper safety. Everyday skills such as knowing how to move your horse into a trailer or having a horse wait for you are essential for making your time with your horse more productive and hassle-free. If bad behaviors develop, don’t let them grow because the longer they last, the harder they are to un-learn. Although horses aren’t people, they do have emotions and your horse must trust you.

Start training your horse to do a couple of tricks

From your horse giving you a hug to skills like neck reining, once your horse knows basic ground manners, you can start to have some fun.

Horse training can be a fun hobby and even a rewarding career. Through horse training, you’ll learn more about horses and the equine business than you would just as a rider. If you want to learn more about how to train your horse, contact us today to learn more.