Types of Training

Ways to spice up your riding routine

Training

Liberty

Liberty training is a ropeless horse training that builds trust and communication. It improves balance and coordination, and can be done using targets, body language, and voice cues. Consistency is key to liberty training and it improves the horse's balance and coordination by working on circles, transitions, and other movements. Be patient and positive when teaching new tricks and never force your horse.

Lunging

This is definitely one of the most popular training techniques and is very effective. Lunging can be done with a lunge rope, halter and lunge whip (or dressage whip). I think most equestrians know what lunging is and how important it is especially in hot weather. It’s definitely a great way to still give your horse exercise without riding them.

Ground Work

Groundwork is a fun way to exercise and train a horse and it also is very customisable. You can simply run next to the horse or take it over jumps or around barrels etc. You can also do it in a halter or a bridle it’s a very flexible method of training.

Liberty Tricks

Liberty & Liberty tricks are 2 different things but they both follow the guidelines of guiding a horse with cues instead of controlling them. Tricks don’t necessarily train a horse but it’s a fun way to engage them and also teach the horse and owner patience. Here is a video of someone showing how they teach their OTTB tricks:

Homemade Treats

Make your own horse treats using ingredients such as oats, carrots, and apples. Mix the ingredients together and bake them in the oven to create a delicious and healthy snack for your horse. I find making DIY treats a fun and affordable way to reward your horses progress.

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