Building a Partnership with Your Young Horse

Or Improving a Horse's Manners and Obedience

"Training Outside the Box, Part 1"

By Lynn Palm

   This month we are starting a new series on "training outside the box." The "box" refers to those confined areas, such as arenas and paddocks, where many riders spend winter training time. When the weather is good, it is time to get out of the "box" and learn to train outside in order to have more fun. Remember, however, that safety always comes first!

   In 1976, I trained my first National and AQHA World Champion horse, Lecanto Raider, on the trails surrounding the Northwood community of Eagle River, Wisconsin. He was trained 85% of the time on the trails, and only 15% in an arena. He was a happy horse because training outside the box: (1) helps maintain a horse's awareness and attitude because he has new environments to experience; (2) helps keep both the horse's and rider/trainer's interest because being outside adds variety to lessons; and (3) usually encourages a horse to go forward, even a horse that normally is lazy and lethargic.

   The most common question I am asked relates to training and trail riding outside the box. Riders are concerned about losing control of their horse and what to do if the horse is disobedient, bucks, or rears. These responses from the horse usually cause the rider to become fearful and apprehensive about getting hurt. We need to address these issues in order to avoid them outside so that training and riding outside remains fun and safe.