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Groundwork exercises are important but mostly straightforward and can be used when training either your own horse or a horse you are training. Ground exercises are a vital part of getting to know each other and of building trust between you and the horse. Future training success is dependant on good groundwork. Safety and your personal space bubble must be respected by your new ton-sized friend.

The key to success in horse training is to be patient, persistent and to employ positive reinforcement techniques in every exercise you perform together. These three P’s can be applied to all current and future levels of horse training.

1. Groom your horse. Grooming represents more than just a perfect first exercise for you and your horse. It is this quality time during which you and the horse will get to know each other. Stand beside him and brush his neck and back. It is not unusual for the horse to bring his teeth around to you for a little love bite. He must not be allowed to do this to humans, even though horses do it to each other. You can discourage this easily enough by the wave of a hand or by pushing his head back to the straight position. Horses have enormous teeth so it is important for your safety that you let him know that this is unacceptable. Use patience and keep calm. He’ll get the idea and will cooperate. There’s no need to get carried away and shout or frantically wave or smack. This will send you backwards where trust is concerned.

2. Lead your horse. Hold the lead rope in your right hand, just below the horse’s chin, and walk beside him on his left side. With a slow step, walk forwards. He should not try to go ahead of you but should remain at your right side. You should walk around to you left in a circle if he does try. You may need to do this a few times to get the point across. Show persistence. By circling to your left you will stay just ahead of him as it should be. Should your horse not want to walk with you then stand slightly behind him, at his shoulder, facing the same direction. Hold the rope close to his chin and push forward. Give praise and positive reinforcement when he takes a small step. Once he begins to walk of his own accord, walk on in a position which is slightly ahead of him. Remember that in order to stay safe, you should never wrap the lead rope around any part of your body. If the horse decides to bolt you’ll be going along and it will not be pretty.

3. Lunge your horse.This exercise is fantastic and is used by every trainer and most horse owners I’ve ever known no matter what the horse’s function is. Lunging will teach many of the skills and commands, or cues, your horse will need to know when you’re ready to work him under saddle.

In a large open area (an arena works, too, if you don’t have a round enclosure) clip your horse to a lunge lead specifically for lungeing. This rope will be a lot longer than the one you use for leading – about ten metres is normal. Clip the lead to the horse’s left halter side and hold the lead in your left hand. Begin by holding the lunge line and facing the horses left side. In your right hand hold a lunge whip; this is to guide him along. Now step to your right sideways toward the rear of the horse while holding the whip out behind him. The horse should step forward as a natural reaction. Let the line out and follow the horse just behind and to the left side and make a kissing sound. He’ll begin to associate that sound with “move forward”. As you’re turning and the horse moves in a circle around you, hold the whip slightly behind his hindquarters. The whip is not for hitting. Simply by waving it about a little the horse should pay attention to you.

Now that he’s moving forward, you’ll move slowly backwards to the centre of the virtual circle. With the lunge lead fully extended, stand in the middle and turn as the horse walks around you in a circle. Watch your horse’s hip area as he’s going round.

This is the perfect time to teach your horse to understand “whoa”. In a low, calm voice, say the word “whoooaa”. At the same time, step toward your horse’s head and repeat the word. When he stops, give him lots of praise and a little neck rub. You will help him remember what to do through this positive reinforcement.

Changing your position now will allow you to lunge your horse in an anti-clockwise manner. It’s done in the same way, but with the lead clipped to the right side of the halter and the lunge whip in the left hand.

These few exercises are just the very basics to help you get started with training your horse. Bear in mind that a horse is a huge and powerful creature. This alone should be enough to remind you to have adequate horse insurance in place should either you or your equine be injured. Your success with training and all future activities depends both on safety and trust. As well as a loyal friend, your horse is also an investment, so remember to protect that investment against theft, accident or misadventure by making sure you compare horse insurance policies to ensure you are getting the best level of cover for both of your needs.

Horses need our undivided attention whilst we are caring for them as they are very sensitive creatures. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like humans, it is those little extras that they need to be truly at peace with their place in the world.

It’s best to keep your horse among other ponies or horses, as they are herd animals in nature and will need to have company. You should be also seen as part of their herd, ideally as the herd leader. A horse’s chewing or licking are both signs of affection and of sumbission to your status as leader. This is where it is so important that you spend time with your horse, ensuring that the trust and emotional bond between you develops. When this is achieved, it will have a positive effect on all areas in the horse’s handling and riding.

Horses are clean animals, so ensure that their stable/stalls are clean and warm, with deep bedding. As well as providing comfort and security, a deep bed will also help to ease the strain on legs and joints.

Mealtimes are important to a horse. As they will be grazing outside during the day, horses should be fed little and often. A balance of all appropriate foods should be incorporated into your horse’s diet. Horses need lots of fibre, so make sure that there is fresh hay or grass. Grain is great for fibre as well, but be careful you don’t give too much as it can upset the stomach. Ensure a supply of fresh water is available. Water prevents the food becoming solid by allowing it to ferment in the horse’s stomach. Horses do better when in a routine, so the timing between feeds is important. Always feed them at the same time every day.

You should groom your horse every day – not only to keep him in excellent condition but also because he will enjoy the attention you give him and will feel loved and secure. Make sure you do lots of rubbing, scratching and brushing. This is a quality part of the day which you should both enjoy. Grooming will also help to keep their coat in good condition and free from pests. Not forgetting the feet – you’ll need to pick your horse’s hooves every daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

A horse needs regular exercise to remain happy. They should be exercised on a daily basis. You should vary standard exercise routines with perhaps cross-country and jumping. What is also important is allowing your horse some time to play. They need to feel the freedom of being turned out in the paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. Let your horse relax as well as work – their behaviour can become erratic if they are not permitted just to chill out sometimes.

The above tips are just a few pieces of advice which can help you look after the physical and pscychological needs of your horse. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.

When you wish to train a horse you’ll have to catch it first. This sounds simple enough, but if this is your first attempt at doing so it can be surprisingly frustrating. This is actually the most important step of all in training. The trust foundation is laid in this step. Remember the importance of patience, persistence and positive reinforcement – the three P’s of horse training – during each and every stage of training your horse. These three training elements work together and are relevant with each step of training along the way.

The most efficient way to begin the approach is to have the horse in an enclosure of easily manageable size. A round pen is the best type of enclosure to use, but you can use any large fenced area or paddock if you don’t have one.

A casual demeanour when first approaching the enclosure is necessary. Do your very best to relax and give the impression of calm. Leave your life’s stress outside the pen. Prey animals such as horses are easily intimidated by any form of stress or aggression they may sense. This represents a possible threat and the last thing you want is for your horse to see you as a threat. Trust must be built between the two of you.

Enter the enclosure, but not to catch the horse yet. That will come in good time. Your aim for now is to familiarize yourself with the horse and more importantly, for the horse to become familiar with you. Just walk in and stand around for a few moments. Do not look directly at the horse. Predators eyeball their prey and stare into their eyes to intimidate them. You are not a predator and your horse should not see you as such. You need to be seen as part of the herd.

Next time, take a rake in and tidy up a bit. Check the fence panels and see if they need mending. Do anything but approach the horse at this point. The horse will approach you eventually and will want to see what you are doing. They are very curious creatures by nature. You’ll be checked out thoroughly and sniffed once you are a regular visitor.

Please keep in mind that this step can take more time if the horse is unfamiliar with human contact. For some horses shyness is not a problem, and they will approach you the minute you enter the enclosure. Either way is acceptable. The horse will begin to trust you only if you let him become accustomed to you slowly and in his own time. Patience!

Don’t reach for the horse as yet, though you may see this as a good opportunity to grab him. The most important thing to remember here is patience. This takes time and you are building a foundation that will last throughout training and well beyond. This step should not be rushed.

When the horse at last approaches you, turn your back and walk away. Be sure you are the first one to do so. By walking away first, you will indicate that he is not in charge of you.

When you and the horse are familiar with each other and comfortable in each others’ presence, you can approach him, but not straight on. Walk slowly and remember to use your very loose and relaxed posture. Stepping sideways can be a good approach for a skittish equine. Go toward the side and don’t stare. Looking sideways, move towards the horse. Whatever you do, don’t sneak up on the horse and try to surprise it with the halter. What will you do to hang on to the horse once you “catch” it if it’s frightened? Your mutual trust will be breached and you’ll have to start all over again. And of course you could be hurt. Patience and persistence.

When the horse allows you to come close, it’s time for positive reinforcement. The first moments you spend together should have nothing to do with work. This step is about bonding. Simple grooming, brushing, scratching behind the ears, conversation, stroking along the neck area are positive reinforcement tools. The horse should see this as enjoyable interaction. The two of you will now be ready for training.

A note about safety:
Never approach a horse from behind unless you are very familiar and the horse knows you. A horse can register a swift kick before you can even think about getting out of the way. They are always faster than you are, especially if they feel threatened or surprised. Always approach where you can be seen.

Whether it is your own horse, or you are training the horse on somebody else’s behalf, it is always advisable to ensure that there is adequate equine insurance in place to protect you both should an accident occur during training. Horses may be mostly gentle creatures, but they are nevertheless very powerful ones; if a horse kicks you, you could be very seriously injured. A good horse insurance policy will include third party liability, and it is definitely worth checking this before you begin with your training.