Training a Horse.

[The Kooky Kiwi]

Of the youngsters I've trained, I've worked some in a training yard and some out in the field. Each has its merits but I think for my style of training I much prefer the field. The yard is a great place to minimise distractions and work on form but the field is great for gaining overall confidence and all purpose experience.

 

[perchie.girl]

Here is my girl wooping it up in a round pen... she came to me as a six year old pasture ornament

after about a year we had her hitched

 

[perchie.girl]

x2. I also find it safer.

You are Never completely safe especially in a round pen... Hind feet are within range with most round pens so you have to know your horse... and not get complacent...

 

[Welshies]

You are Never completely safe especially in a round pen... Hind feet are within range with most round pens so you have to know your horse... and not get complacent...

And neither are you ever completely safe in a field. If riding you can get dragged, horse can spook and run off, still could kick you, charge you without a way for you to escape, etc. Now, that's not to scare anyone. I just specialize in problem horses

 

[perchie.girl]

And neither are you ever completely safe in a field. If riding you can get dragged, horse can spook and run off, still could kick you, charge you without a way for you to escape, etc. Now, that's not to scare anyone. I just specialize in problem horses

I only worked with one horse in my life that actually tried to hurt me on purpose...

I been dragged more than once, bit, kicked, bucked off, Trampled, Thrown and trampled, Trampled and the carriage dragged over the top of me, stepped on. Each time was my fault... Complacency is your worst enemy. And working with horses can be one of the most hazardous avocations... Especially Carriage driving.

The big guys are noted for being sweet and gentle... BUT they do have a big spook... Only thing is you have to learn a new set of Ques from them when they are pressing their comfort levels. Learned quickly with her...

@BYC910 has infinitely more experience training horses than me... @Alaskan grew up on a big ranch.... I have had horses now fifty years.... my own I am not a trainer but every horse you deal with you become their trainer in some things.

never assume you are safe... Just like always assume the gun is loaded....

deb

 

[Welshies]

I only worked with one horse in my life that actually tried to hurt me on purpose...

I been dragged more than once, bit, kicked, bucked off, Trampled, Thrown and trampled, Trampled and the carriage dragged over the top of me, stepped on. Each time was my fault... Complacency is your worst enemy. And working with horses can be one of the most hazardous avocations... Especially Carriage driving.

The big guys are noted for being sweet and gentle... BUT they do have a big spook... Only thing is you have to learn a new set of Ques from them when they are pressing their comfort levels. Learned quickly with her...

@BYC910 has infinitely more experience training horses than me... @Alaskan grew up on a big ranch.... I have had horses now fifty years.... my own I am not a trainer but every horse you deal with you become their trainer in some things.

never assume you are safe... Just like always assume the gun is loaded....

deb

Yep, agreed on the never safe thing.
I specialize in training problem horses. Ones that freak out at nonsense things, are unsafe (i.e., charging), "wild", "unbreakable", hard to catch or trailer, just everyday vices or issues. For me, the roundpen is a bit of a necessary evil to be able to escape quickly, or to maintain communication with a mistrustful or hot spirited animal.
For an everyday colt starting though, no I would not say it is necessary. Great tool? For sure. Necessary? Not at all.

 

[kwhites634]

I sure do like a round pen though...

Especially because it is so small. Easier for a bunch of training styles and not having to chase the horse all over.

If I'd had a round pen I'd certainly have taken advantage of it, but I managed to get the job done a couple of times w/o one.