J.F. Sheppard
Ask the Trainer: Other People's Horses
Always assess a borrowed horse in a safe environment before you ride him on the trail. If the lender doesn't allow for this, politely turn down the offer. To assess the horse, follow these guidelines.
Group-Ride Guidelines
Before you go on a large group ride first ride only with those who truly understand trail safety. Ride on a regular basis with two to three trusted, responsible friends.
Fast Riders, Dangerous Rides
Keep a safe distance between horses to be safe on the trail
Spook Control
This step-by-step technique will densitize your horse or gelding so they do not get easily spooked around vehicles or other horses
Spur Training
If you've never used spurs on your horse and are considering, the author gives four tips that will help you use an aid to motivate your horse without losing trust or abusing him.
Halter a Hard-to-Catch Horse
The horse trainer gives horse owners 5 steps toward making that horse that is difficult to catch easier. By making it easier for the horse to be caught than to avoid your halter, you can train that difficult horse to be caught easily.
Help for a Herdbound Horse
To correct a herbound horse, first understand your gelding's survival instincts. Your horse is a prey animal and a herd animal. Whenever you're with your horse, you make up a herd of two; you have to become the leader of the herd. Your gelding is deriving his security from the other horses on the trail, not from you.
Speed Control
Teach your horse that you’re in control in every area, on the ground and in the saddle. When you're in control, your problem with her speed will be solved. Start by building a strong foundation on the ground, then you'll carry over this training to under-saddle work.
Horse Bonding Exercises
When weather prohibits long trail rides or outdoor training sessions, indoor excercises can be helpful in creating a bond with your horse. Picking up his feet, grooming and longeing are just a few of the things horse owners can do to increase a bond with the horse.
Kids and Trail Riding
When is a child ready to hit the trail? Follow these tips to maximize a young rider's safety and enjoyment.
Head-Tossing Help
For a horse that tosses his head, horse owners need to teach the horse to respect bit and rein pressure, our trainer helps take riders through several steps to create respect in a horse.
Crossing Narrow Water
Crossing water naturally creates fear for horses, so horse owners and trainers need to establish a solid foundation of respect and willingness before employing several simple techniques to help a horse learn to cross water calmly.
