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How to Train a Horse
Training a horse involves building trust, respect, and harmony between you and your equine companion. So, if you’re working with a young horse or refining the skills of a seasoned partner, using the right approach will make the process smoother for both yourself and your horse. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you get on your way with your animal.
Setting goals can help with ensuring that horse training is more rewarding and helps measure progress more effectively. Goals should be SMART:
Establishing a relationship based on trust is the foundation of all horse training. Spend time grooming, handling, and simply being present with your horse in a calm manner. Use treats or gentle encouragement to reward good behaviour. We offer a wide range of high quality horse feed and supplements for your animal to enjoy. Our selection of products from top brands like Thunderbrook and TopSpec can help keep your horse healthy and focused throughout training.
Before mounting, ensure your horse is confident and respectful on the ground. Practice leading, halting, backing up, and moving sideways. Lunging, where your horse works in a circle around you, reinforces voice cues and body language. Consider digestive and joint supplements during intense groundwork sessions for optimal horse health. We stock tailored formulas for joint support and overall wellbeing.
Always reward correct responses with praise, a gentle pat, or a treat. Be patient. Horses, like people, learn best in a positive, stress-free environment. A couple of tips from us is to:
After solid groundwork, gradually introduce tack (saddle, bridle) in short sessions. Let your horse become accustomed to the feeling, and reward calmness. When ready, begin basic riding exercises like walk, halt, and turns. For horses new to work, ensure their diet meets the nutritional requirements for growing muscle and stamina. We stock important feeds and supplements, such as conditioning and muscle builders, can provide the extra support needed for training transitions.
A comfortable, well-cared-for horse learns best. Pay careful attention to your horse’s bedding and feed routine. Make sure your training horse has access to a balanced diet. We supply a variety of feeds and balancers that supply energy and maintain digestive health.
Every horse is different. While some progress quickly, others need more time. Adjust your training plan as needed and consider seeking professional advice from a trainer if you hit a roadblock. We’re happy to provide guidance on choosing the right feeds, supplements, and stable supplies for your horse’s unique needs.
Training a horse is a blend of patience, technique, and care. With our extensive range of supplements, feeds, and bedding, you have everything you need to support your horse’s development at every stage. Explore their selection for high-quality essentials that help every horse reach its potential, one step at a time.
Look at setting goals
Setting goals can help with ensuring that horse training is more rewarding and helps measure progress more effectively. Goals should be SMART:
- Specific and clearly defined
- Measurable; outlining how you know you’ve achieve those goals
- Achievable and realistic based on you and your horse’s current abilities
- Relevant to your own goals in relation to horse riding
- Time-bound, with a date or schedule in mind
Building trust
Establishing a relationship based on trust is the foundation of all horse training. Spend time grooming, handling, and simply being present with your horse in a calm manner. Use treats or gentle encouragement to reward good behaviour. We offer a wide range of high quality horse feed and supplements for your animal to enjoy. Our selection of products from top brands like Thunderbrook and TopSpec can help keep your horse healthy and focused throughout training.
Establishing good manners
Before mounting, ensure your horse is confident and respectful on the ground. Practice leading, halting, backing up, and moving sideways. Lunging, where your horse works in a circle around you, reinforces voice cues and body language. Consider digestive and joint supplements during intense groundwork sessions for optimal horse health. We stock tailored formulas for joint support and overall wellbeing.
Positive reinforcement and consistency
Always reward correct responses with praise, a gentle pat, or a treat. Be patient. Horses, like people, learn best in a positive, stress-free environment. A couple of tips from us is to:
- Keep sessions short (20–40 minutes).
- End on a good note, even if progress is small.
Introducing tack and under-saddle work
After solid groundwork, gradually introduce tack (saddle, bridle) in short sessions. Let your horse become accustomed to the feeling, and reward calmness. When ready, begin basic riding exercises like walk, halt, and turns. For horses new to work, ensure their diet meets the nutritional requirements for growing muscle and stamina. We stock important feeds and supplements, such as conditioning and muscle builders, can provide the extra support needed for training transitions.
Maintaining comfort and health
A comfortable, well-cared-for horse learns best. Pay careful attention to your horse’s bedding and feed routine. Make sure your training horse has access to a balanced diet. We supply a variety of feeds and balancers that supply energy and maintain digestive health.
Regular assessment and continued training
Every horse is different. While some progress quickly, others need more time. Adjust your training plan as needed and consider seeking professional advice from a trainer if you hit a roadblock. We’re happy to provide guidance on choosing the right feeds, supplements, and stable supplies for your horse’s unique needs.
Training a horse is a blend of patience, technique, and care. With our extensive range of supplements, feeds, and bedding, you have everything you need to support your horse’s development at every stage. Explore their selection for high-quality essentials that help every horse reach its potential, one step at a time.
Posted on: 30/07/2025
