Horse Training Tips, Correcting the Spooky Horse

I have been a horse nut for as long as I can remember. I had owned a number of horses which I had some training to do on each horse after my purchase. But it wasn't until I purchased a totally untouched horse, raised in the wild that I had the challenge to correct a horse that was prone to flight. It took me a while to correct and thankfully my horse, myself and others around him never got hurt in the process. I hope this article will help you correct this problem in your horse, quickly and without injuries.

I was tired of retraining horses and tired of trying to fix a problem that someone else had created in a horse that I purchased for my own. So in order to fix this problem I found a yearling that had been field bred and spent the first year of his life in the Cascade mountains. He was untouched and totally wild. I negotiated his price, and an agreement to get him to the sellers home with the understanding that I have the use of her round pen for 2 weeks.

The first four to five days it seemed as though there was little to no progress made, but on day 6 I started to see improvement and by day 14 I had him in a straight load trailer without a fight. I was truly amazed that an animal so wild just 2 weeks before could be transformed in 14 days with just 2 to 3 hours a day of slow gentle work on my part.

This was just the beginning of many years of training. He is now 12 years old and is a wonderful trail horse and a true companion of mine. He is not fully trained as I don't think any horse, at least any of my horses ever are. I believe in the saying, "always be training", and I always will be. He is smart and gentle now but he was a problem to get the flight instinct out of him and make him use his brain. I would work with him and think I had him fixed until a turkey would fly up on the trail and suddenly I was without a horse under me!

A flighty horse has to be fixed and until he is, the horse will be dangerous to handler, rider and the people that are around him as well as dangerous to himself. The final straw was when I was camping, I got two horses saddled and ready to go for a ride, I tried them to a hitching post and went to the outhouse. When I came out I noticed that something was bothering my horse, I don't know what, could have been a horsefly or something. I started over to him at a quick walk so I could untie him and find out what was going on. As I got to him, and before I could get the quick release knot untied he exploded. Now this is a big horse, about 1400 pounds, at a standing position he sprung off the ground like he sprouted wings. He came down on the hitching post which broke off at each end and was now a log tied to him which scared him even more and he took off. Now my other horse is still tied to the log and as he takes off she has no choice but to follow. There I was watching my two horses running off in the camp with a log between them. What a wreck!

From this story you can see that something very slight can create a terrible situation and a flighty horse needs to be corrected before these things happen. This was the hardest thing to correct in this horse and I attribute it to the first year of his life when he had real predators like bears and mountain lions. It took a lot to get him to think before flight but I did get that result and so can you.

Here is the horse training lesson in my online library that will fix this problem and a few others in the process. As with most things in horses, fix one thing and it will have an effect on other problems and other benefits to your horse training.

By Jackie Heinen

Horse Tack and Supplies - Customizable, Made to order saddles, tack, harnesses and carts for horses of all sizes, Llamas and donkeys. All made in the USA. All shipping is free, the price you see is the price you pay.

Find lots of great information and articles on horse training, camping, nutrition, care and more to help you with all aspects of horse ownership. http://www.horsetack-supplies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Heinen

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10 Rules For Buying Horses

Buying a new horse is never an easy task, partly because there are always myriad options from which to choose. You might have narrowed your specifics considerably, but there will always be more horses on the market than you have time to see.

Strategy is important, whether you're buying horses for competition or pleasure. You'll have different criteria if you're looking for a child versus an adult, just like the experience and abilities of the rider will make an enormous difference. So what is the right strategy for buying horses?

1- Never Buy the First Horse You See

I know all about love at first sight. It happened to me when I was a senior in high school, and the horse's name was Bella. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen: perfect combination, wide-set eyes, a gently-sloping forehead. Riding her was like sitting on a cloud, and I knew I had to have her.

It worked out all right with Bella, but this isn't always the case. If you're in the market for buying horses, make sure you see as many of them as possible. You can always go back and see if that first horse is still available, and most horses don't leave the market that quickly anyway.

I always tell my clients to look at ten horses or more before making a decision. This will give you an idea for what the market has to offer and will delay your decision until you can think it over. You might discover that the horse you really want has some obscure problem that you won't want to deal with.

2- Shop Locally

If you're buying horses that currently live halfway across the world, you have quite a bit of traveling in your future. It is never a good idea to buy horses sight-unseen, and most of us don't have time to go traipsing from city to city in search of the perfect animal.

Unless you have very specific criteria for an Olympic-level horse, you can find a suitable animal practically in your own backyard. Depending on where you live, you might be able to limit your search to a 100-mile radius with no problem.

You'll also find that buying horses locally means there is less chance of running into a scam. People are far more wary of ripping off customers who live right around the corner.

3- Order a Drug Test

You might be the most honest person in the world, but everyone is not so scrupulous. Some horse breeders will drug their horses before showing them so they are calm and pliable. This means a serious shock when you take the horse home and wind up in the dirt. Run a drug test and have the horse vetted by a qualified veterinarian before you write that check.

4- Take the Horse Home

Buying horses, as mentioned above, can be a nasty business. If you really want to protect yourself, insist on a trial run with the horse before your purchase is solidified. Pay for the horse and take him home for a week with the option to sell him back if he doesn't work out. This gives you a chance to try him out on your home turf with no pressure.

This is particularly useful when buying school horses for a lesson program. Since school horses must possess a very specific set of qualities, a trial run reduces the chances of buying a dud. Just make sure you are clear in the paperwork that you have the option for a full refund if the horse isn't what you thought.

5- Grow Slowly

If you run a horse business, you'll be buying horses left and right. Just don't get too far ahead of yourself. Your equine inventory is your biggest asset as a horse business owner. Whether you're breeding horses or teaching lessons, a great portion of your income rests in the hands of those animals. Making quick purchases all at once is a mistake.

The same is true if you are a serious competitor hoping to amass a stable of performance horses. Your biggest asset in the show ring is diversity in your animals. Buying several horses all at once doesn't give you a chance to learn each horse's personality before choosing the next one.

6- Order X-rays

Depending on where you live, a typical vet check for buying horses might not include thorough X-rays. An X-ray of the horse's navicular bone, for example, will illustrate whether or not the horse has experienced significant navicular changes that might result in future lameness.

In addition to the X-rays and the aforementioned drug screen, your veterinarian should examine the horse's:

• Overall health

• Medical history

• Hooves

• Teeth and gums

• Coat, mane and tail

• Dietary health

When buying horses, your veterinarian's recommendation is only a jumping-off point. You might realize that you can live with your horse's poor dietary habits or his navicular changes, but at least you know about them. And health discoveries can become a bargaining chip in the purchase of a horse.

7- Ride the Horse

You would think this would be a given, but I can't tell you how many times I hear of someone buying horses without actually riding them first. This is a huge mistake, not only because you won't know what you are getting.

All horses move differently and respond to different commands. You won't know if the horse is compatible with your training, experience and abilities unless you actually sit on his back. Riding horses before buying them should be a priority, no matter what the owner says.

8- Ride the Horse in Your Discipline

Let's say that you are a three-day eventer. Before buying horses, you need to try them out in dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country before writing that check. Failing to try the horse out in your specific discipline might cause you to make a mistake. Maybe he's great in the dressage ring, but refuses every jump you point him at.

9- Buy From Someone You Trust

Why do you have to resort to buying horses over the Internet? Or through classified ads in Canada? You don't realize how many people you know until you start going through their names-your friend knows someone who knows someone who owns a barn, and they have hundreds of horses for sale.

It's that simple. You might want to think about buying horses at the farm where you take riding lessons or from someone your trainer has done business with in the past. Buying from someone you know (or someone you've met through a personal grapevine) is the safest way to go about buying horses.

10- Bring a Trainer

Unless you are a professional horseman yourself, you shouldn't even think of buying horses without a trainer present. He or she will look out for your best interests and will be able to spot obscure details that you never would have noticed. Regardless of how independent you are, a trainer is essential through this process.

People will always making mistakes when buying horses, but you can eliminate the majority of them by having a plan before you start looking. Write out your criteria and decide exactly what you want before you start calling numbers from the classified ads.

By Laura Jane Thompson

Laura Thompson is a horse business consultant and the owner of EquiManagement. She has worked with horses all her life and is a certified riding instructor. Her areas of expertise include program development, equine acquisitions, stable management, marketing and safety. She has also worked as a horse trainer and barn manager in the past, and she frequently writes about her experience with horses and the horse business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Jane_Thompson

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How to Find The Best Mules For Sale

A mule is an offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. While the mules look and resemble a donkey they are very hardworking animals and are used as work horses at farms. Mules are easy to train and make good companions to other farm animals. Mules also have better height and greater resistance than horses and donkeys. The characteristics of horses and donkeys make mules perfect work horses as they are patient as well as strong to carry out difficult farm work.

Farm owners can benefit highly by using mule teams on their farms as these animals can work longer and better than horses or donkeys. Mule teams can be used for pulling carts and plowing fields in the farm. There are several places online where mules can be bought easily. Here are some tips for finding the best team mules for sale:

Search Online: Internet is a great place for finding information related to anything including mules for sale. Interested buyers can look for advertisements by breeders selling mules in their area. This way you can go and check out the mule and clear any doubts before buying. By searching online, it becomes easy to make a comparison between different places that are selling mules. Do consider your budget as well.

Check Mule Variety: Check the various types that are available on different websites that are selling mules. Team mules are ideal for transportation and other mules are good for working in agricultural farms. Choose a mule that has been trained and bred for the specific purpose that you need it for.

Mule characteristics and behavior: Get information about mule's history, behavior good and bad, training, etc. If you don't have enough knowledge, go mule shopping with a knowledgeable person. Do ride the mule before taking a decision. Notice its personality, how it performs and behaves when ridden and decide accordingly.

Buy a Trained Mule: You can also go for a well trained and highly bred mule. Reputed mule breeders train their mules so that the animals can work in mule teams that are needed for pulling carts. Buying a well trained mule is very useful as an untrained mule needs to be trained first.

Patience is the key: It takes little time to find the right mule as per your preferences as good mules are not easily available. Don't rush and buy just any mule you see. Remember that your mule will stay with you for many years so it is important you buy a healthy mule.

Mules make the best farm animals when it comes to hard labor and good temperament. A well trained mule can be a great asset for you. You can choose from a wide range of mules for sale at http://www.mules-forsale.com/.

By C Burns

Craig Burns owns a small, USDA licensed, family kennel. He and their three children make it our goal to produce quality family pets such as Cockapoos, Puggles, and Poodle Mixed Puppies for you and yours to enjoy.

For more information on Best Mules for Sale visit: http://www.mules-forsale.com

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5 Tips to Winning Patterns in the Showmanship Class

Tip 1: Look Good

Having a clean and put together appearance when you enter the show ring is something many competitors overlook. Remember, when you are standing at the gate or the first cone waiting to start your pattern the judge gets a first impression based on your appearance! If you have a flawless pattern but your outfit is wrinkled, your hair is hanging in your face and your hat is crunched you probably won't win the class unless you were miles ahead of the competition.

You don't have to be dressed fancy, just neat and clean. Have your hat cleaned and shaped regularly, make sure your clothes are not just clean but free of distracting wrinkles and have boots that match the color of your pants. Also, your hair should be pulled neatly out of your face and makeup should be professional looking and not overdone!

This goes for your horse as well. He should be as clean as possible with face and legs trimmed properly and mane and tail combed (even better: a good mane banding or braiding job will go a long way!).

Tip 2: A Good Start

Practice at home so your horse will stand square at the start cone or gate. Most of the time you will have a little longer to get your horse's feet set at the start because the previous exhibitor is running their pattern. You want to be sure that when the judges turns to you, you are ready and looking sharp!

Your horse should also walk forward readily with you when you take that first step in the pattern. Don't close your eyes and hope he does...practice this every time you walk him at home. Whether you are walking to the pasture with him or just finished riding and are cooling him out, always ask him to walk with you properly.

You never get a second chance at a first impression, so make your first steps count!

Tip 3: Use the Cones

One of the biggest problems I see with young and inexperienced exhibitors is that they don't know when to transition at a cone! Your pattern says: "Walk from cone A to cone B, Trot to cone C, stop and back 4 steps". When do you transition? For most people you should start asking your horse to transition the moment their nose reaches the cone. That way he will already be in the next gate (or stopped) by the time his shoulder gets there. That is the true transition point!

Make sure you don't ask too late! If you know it will take 4-5 steps before your horse transitions then you will want to ask a bit earlier. If your horse is so in tune that is only takes 1 step then ask a bit later.

Again, practice this at home. Even if you have to use a pop bottle as your cone, it's much better than never trying until you enter the ring!

Tip 4: Keep your distance

There is nothing a judge dislikes more than having to get out of the way of an exhibitor! If your pattern says to stop at the judge your horse's nose should be about an arm's length away by the time you have completely stopped. In this case, it is better to be a little farther away than too close.

This distance also give you enough room to move around the horse's nose if the judge walks to the left side of your horse first in his inspection.

NOTE: A small sub-point on this topic is that you should be bringing your horse to the judge. If your pattern has you walking or trotting to the judge your horse's nose should be headed straight for the judge's torso. If you look just to the left of the judge (instead of at him/her) you will line up with your horse straight!

Tip 5: Stay Sharp

In showmanship class everything is about precision. Always move with purpose and keep good posture. Although you shouldn't rush through the maneuvers, taking too much time to set up, back or pivot is considered a fault. Instead you should make sure each item is performed "sharp".

This does not mean you should nod at the judge each time you move side to side or when you exit. That looks fake!

Now Get Practicing!

Now that you have some tips to help you know what to look for, get out there are start practicing! Remember that even if you have a great showmanship horse you have to be in tune with him to make a winning showmanship pattern.

Take the time to go through each maneuver you may be required to do in your class and work on it until you can perform it with no lead rope. That is the challenge I give myself each time I work with a new horse on perfecting showmanship. If I can do it well with no lead then I know I can hit the mark in the show ring!

For more tips and info check out: www.squidoo.com/winning-patterns-for-showmanship-class1

I also list some helpful books and other sources there!

I hope this was helpful

By Constance Colvin

Connie Colvin
For more information on a winning appearance please check out: http://www.custom-western-wear.com/appearance.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Constance_Colvin

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Horse Show Program - What You Need to Know Before You Ask Someone Else

What questions can a horse show program answer? Face it we have all been there, more often if you are newer to the whole horse show scene. Questions like when is your next class? Do we get a riding lunch break? How much is the sweepstakes class? When is the next show?

These are a few of the many questions that may pop into your mind while at a horse show. If you are newer to showing, or showing with a new association, questions like these will become apparent throughout the day. Where is the best place to look to get your questions answered? You guessed it, the horse show program.

What Is A Horse Show Program?

The term horse show program seems like a broad term that can be taken a few ways. In one meaning it can imply you are discussing the specific program or schedule of the show you are at. In another it can be applied as your specific program to prepare for a horse show. Yet another aspect could be a specific event occurring at a horse show.

For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing the horse show program as the show bill or show schedule. Every show association will have a schedule of classes for each part of the show.

It can also be a term encompassing specific association rules and regulations. The horse show program can change from one show to the next. Most programs are printed on a single sheet of paper and are available in the show office.

It might be beneficial to grab an extra copy to keep one in your pocket and one posted near your horse. This way you will be able to follow along a little easier with the progression of the show. You will also be able to plan your activities and figure out how much time you have between classes.

What Can You Expect To Find On A Horse Show Program?

Depending on where you show, each program will be put together a little differently. The show bill will have the name of the show or show series along with the selected dates for the other shows. If the shows are held at different locations, this should also be outlined on the program.

The judges selected for the year should also be listed on the show bill. Most of the program will consist of a list of classes in order of progression. If the show is two days or more, the classes will be listed under the day(s) they will be offered through the course of the show.

Start times should also be included on the show bill to notify exhibitors when the first horses of the day are expected to be at the in-gate. You can also find a summary of rules and regulations for the show. These rules are usually those that are frequently asked about, or are the more important rules that need to be repeated to continuously remind exhibitors.

Other fees associated with the show including stalls, camping hookup, judge/class fees, office fees, random drug testing fees, and blanket fees all should be listed on the show bill.

Some horse show programs will include information on each division along with point tally information and eligibility for year-end awards if offered. You will want to pay close attention to the divisions for the classes you will be exhibiting in. Make sure you meet the age and experience requirements to avoid any problems with the show association.

Other inclusions on the horse show program will vary from one show to another. In any case, it can be used as a reference for many questions. It can also save you some wasted time to walk to the show office to ask a related question.

For all simple questions, refer to the horse show program before seeking alternate sources of information. If you are new to showing horses, you might be surprised how much the show bill alone can help answer questions.

What If You Still Have Questions?

If you check over the information provided to you in the show bill and are still unable to find the answer you are looking for, you have a few other options to have your questions answered.

If you are near any other show participants it is probably easiest to ask one of them. They may be able to provide you a quick answer. Just make sure you are considerate of other exhibitor activities when approaching with your question.

If you have a more complicated question about a club rule, you are better off walking to the show office, where they can answer any question. The show office will likely be busy with other show exhibitors through the day and you will have to wait your turn to ask your question. You can decide if it is worth the time waiting in line.

Hopefully some of your questions are answered after reading this article. In summary, refer to the show bill first to make sure you can't answer your own question before seeking out the help of someone else. It may save you some time waiting in line or finding someone to answer your question.

By Lynn Wenger

About The Author:

Lynn Wenger invites you to visit http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com/horse-show-program.html for more information on how to put together a horse show program that is right for you.

Lynn has been active in riding and showing horses since 2000. She is a lifelong equine addict with no hopes of recovery and admits since buying her first horse as a young adult that she is an expert on not being an expert when it comes to owning and showing horses. She is also the creator and founder of Stock Horse Show Source http://www.stock-horse-show-source.com, developed to educate novice equine enthusiasts on the basics of horse keeping and showing.

So lope on over, park your horse, and sign up for (ezine title) and you'll never miss a hoofbeat!

(c) Copyright stock-horse-show-source.com, all rights reserved

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Wenger

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10 Rules For Selling Horses

When you are selling horses, your goal is probably to make a profit. Perhaps you purchased a horse and subsequently trained him so you can sell him for twice what you paid, or maybe your current competition horse is no longer sufficient for your abilities. Whatever the case, you should keep profits in mind when selling horses.

That said, etiquette is important in the horse industry, and you can easily make enemies if you aren't careful about how you handle potential buyers. Just like with buying horses, you need to have a level head and a strategy to make the sale.

1- Groom Your Horses

Selling horses is a lot like selling real estate: first impressions matter, and the beauty on the inside is secondary. When people come to look at your horses for sale, you want them to see the most beautiful animal possible, so make sure you groom your horses on a daily basis while they are on the market.

You should also pay attention to those annoying grooming rituals that you might normally forego. Bathing and clipping, for example, are good habits when selling horses. Just bathe once a week while your horses are on the market, and make sure ears, fetlocks, muzzles and bridle paths are trimmed regularly.

2- Return Phone Calls

Or e-mails, or faxes, or any medium through which potential buyers might try to get in touch with you. The horse business moves quickly, and if you wait 24 or 48 hours to get back to buyers, they might already have found other horses that meet their needs. My advice is to try to return phone calls and e-mails within 6 hours of receipt.

Of course, the manner in which you return communication is also important in selling horses. Are you friendly on the phone? Do you invite questions? Do you make time to give the buyer details about your inventory? Think like a salesperson when selling horses, and you can't go wrong.

3- Prepare Media

The more materials you have when selling horses, the better your chances. I advise, in addition to a text ad in appropriate publications, both videos and pictures to showcase the horses you intend to sell.

A text ad for selling horses should be well-written, with proper grammar and appropriate details for the market your horses are in. Be completely honest about your horses' personalities and abilities; don't "pad" your text ad with information that isn't true. The buyer will find out.

As for videos, it is better to not make one at all than to make a poor one. Use a good-quality camera and hold it steady as you shoot the video. Try to showcase the horses' most impressive attributes, such as jumping or dressage. You'll also want to get a close-up of horses standing and walking.

Photographs have the same rules as videos when selling horses, but they aren't as flexible. Since you can't show motion, just make sure the pictures are in focus and as clear as possible.

4- Ride the Horse First

This is a simple manner of etiquette, but an important one. When selling horses, it is customary for the owner to ride the horse for the buyer before allowing the buyer to try him out. This demonstrates that you are comfortable with the horse, and gives the buyer a chance to see the horse in action.

The only exception is when selling horses you aren't comfortable with. In this case, make it clear to buyers that you aren't sufficiently skilled to handle the horse, but that you are willing to let them ride him if they wish. Make sure they sign a liability waiver before you let them mount up.

5- Provide Written Records

The best way to convince buyers that you are an ideal seller when selling horses is to show them how organized you are. Prepare a notebook or binder with all of your horses' records, from veterinary documents to farrier receipts and Coggins tests. Order everything chronologically and include a physical description of your horse, his pedigree and any other pertinent information.

In this vein, selling horses is a lot like selling cars. Buyers want to know when the horse had his last "tune-up" and how often you've practiced good maintenance. This will reassure the buyer that the horse is in excellent health.

6- Limit Riding Time

You have a responsibility to the buyer when selling horses, but you also have a responsibility to your horse. For example, if you're showing your horse in the dead of summer, you won't want a buyer to ride your horse for two hours while he "gets the feel" of him. You are perfectly within your rights to say, "I think he's had enough."

If the buyer has a problem with limited riding time, invite him to come out another day to try him again. A good buyer will want to do that anyway, so try to accommodate without putting your horse at risk.

7- Be Honest About Temperament

Some horses just shouldn't be ridden by children, and if you have one of them, let all buyers know this. The ethical way to go about selling horses is to be up-front and honest about your horse's temperament. If he needs an advanced rider, say so.

8- Clue the Buyer In

Every horse is different, so try to give the buyer a hand when selling horses. Tell him that your horse takes a short rein or not much leg or lots of verbal encouragement. This will help the buyer to have a positive first ride and will limit frustrations.

This is especially true when it comes to safety issues. For example, I once had a horse that would flip out if you got anywhere near him with a bat or crop. The same went for spurs. If your horse is sensitive to certain artificial aids or if he'll buck with too much leg, make sure the buyer knows before he climbs aboard.

9- Price High

Negotiation is expected when selling horses, so don't list your horse at the lowest price you'll possibly accept. Increase the price about $500 or $600 over what you are willing to take, then let the buyer negotiate you down. He'll feel as though he's gotten a great deal and you won't feel tempted to accept a low-ball offer.

That said, don't gouge the buyer. Appropriate horse prices are difficult to gauge, so start listening to buyer feedback. If ten buyers scoff at your entry price, take it down a notch or two. Your horse might not be worth as much as you originally thought.

10- Shut Up

When selling horses, many people have the tendency to talk constantly as the buyer looks over the horse and takes him for a test drive. This is a big mistake. Even if you are just nervous, the buyer is going to think you are trying to distract him from something that is wrong with the animal.

Conduct a brief introduction of the horse, explain anything the buyer needs to know, then let the horse do the talking. You should of course answer any questions the buyer might have, but resist the urge to go on and on.

Selling horses can be a frustrating process, but eventually you will find a buyer. Just continue to advertise your horse and market in places where interested buyers are likely to take notice.

By Laura Jane Thompson

Laura Thompson is a horse business consultant and the owner of EquiManagement. She has worked with horses all her life and is a certified riding instructor. Her areas of expertise include program development, equine acquisitions, stable management, marketing and safety. She has also worked as a horse trainer and barn manager in the past, and she frequently writes about her experience with horses and the horse business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Jane_Thompson

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Get Your Horse Into Shape

If you plan to show or compete with your horse, it is essential that you get your horse into shape. His muscle strength and stamina will determine how he handles rigorous work, and a fit horse will not be as stressed on show day. Of course, even if you are not competing your horse, fitness is an important issue.

Many riders focus only on themselves: developing leg strength, improving balance, increasing stamina. This philosophy is a mistake because it increases the chance your horse will be hurt because he isn't in shape.

Endurance

The first way to get your horse into shape is to focus on endurance. This simply means the length of time your horse can perform certain activities without dangerously accelerating his respiration and heart rate. I recommend that horse owners observe endurance rides at least once a week.

An endurance ride is usually conducted in a field or on a trail because the arena can become monotonous. Depending on whether or not your horse is currently in shape, an endurance ride could take an hour or more, so prepare for longevity. In the beginning, however, an out-of-shape horse shouldn't be ridden longer than 30 minutes for endurance.

Contrary to popular belief, trot work is the most conducive to endurance. It combines moderate speed with constant activity in the legs, and won't wear the horse out as fast as cantering or galloping. Your horse can definitely trot for thirty straight minutes, but it is doubtful he can canter that long.

Form

The way in which a horse moves is directly related to his fitness level. A fit horse will be able to move correctly, using his muscles efficiently and balancing himself both on the straight-away and on corners and circles. When you work to get your horse into frame on a regular basis, he will automatically increase his fitness level.

Working your horse in a rig is one way to get him into shape. Rigs include draw reins, side reins and training forks, and must be used properly for the horse's safety. Side reins, for example, are only used in hand or on the lunge line, while draw reins and training forks can be used while mounted.

The purpose of these rigs is not to force your horse into the proper position, but to show him how he should carry himself. Use them as tools rather than instruments of doom and you'll experience positive results. That said, make sure you ask a trainer or riding instructor to show you the proper ways to use them.

Weather

A horse you think is in shape during the winter might reach the blistering summer months and suddenly seem lethargic and weak. Horses respond to differences in the weather much the same as we do, and it is important to consider the weather outside when you're trying to get your horse into shape.

Not only is the hear a factor during the summer, but also the humidity. It can affect respiration and wear your horse out faster than he would in a dry clime.

My policy, when the weather begins to heat up, is to start all over with getting my horse into shape. I begin again with short endurance rides, working up to longer bouts as he develops a tolerance for the heat. The same goes for the winter; I allow my horse to slowly grow used to the drop in temperature.

Discipline

It is easy for horseback riders to become so entrenched in their chosen disciplines that they forget the amazing versatility and flexibility of riding in general. They work every day on reining, dressage, jumping, cutting, western pleasure or any number of other disciplines because that is where their focus lies.

Big mistake.

Your horse will find it easier to get into shape when he has some variety in his workouts. You might compete only in dressage, but would your horse benefit from trail riding, jumping or regular flat work occasionally? You bet. It will challenge him to use muscles that are not commonly exercised in dressage.

It's just like people. You ride horses, so you probably think you're in shape. But what if you took up karate or basketball? You'd use different muscle groups in different ways, and you'd probably be sore in the morning.

Getting your horse into shape will take time, and it requires constant effort. Horses can experience fluctuating fitness levels just like we can, so make exercise a primary goal for you and your horse.

By Laura Jane Thompson

Laura Thompson is a horse business consultant and the owner of EquiManagement. She has worked with horses all her life and is a certified riding instructor. Most of her time is spent writing about horses and the horse business and working with horse business owners.

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