Day Eight: Advancing Groundwork with drills

Stevie has advanced to a point where she needs more of a challenge.  Circling and yielding her hips is easy; she can do it very lightly with very little effort on my part.  Adding new steps will improve her handle and keep her tuned in. 

Working on squeezing Stevie between myself and the fence.  











Putting her nose on the fence.

Encouraging Stevie to back up. 












By the time we were done, Stevie was stepping sideways two to three steps each way.  The drills help lighten her up and tend to keep her thinking.  This makes them a great way to prepare for riding!

Please use caution and common sense.  Horses are large animals, with an exceptional amount of power and strength.  They are also concerned above all with their own personal safety, and will do whatever they feel it takes to keep themselves from harm.  Being individuals that act and react differently, the only certainty you have when working a horse is uncertainty.  I am a professional trainer with twenty plus years experience, yet even with the knowledge I possess, I still get hurt from time to time.  This blog and the accompanying media are for entertainment purposes only.  No responsibility will be assumed for injuries or damages incurred while trying to use these methods at home.  Please ride responsibly; protective gear can save your life!