Over the last two months we have developed our communication in asking our horse to step forward to an object (step on a plate) and to back carefully and thoughtfully over an obstacle (back over a pole).  Now we are going to add in another challenge - go through a narrow place. I really like to play with 55-gallon plastic barrels. They are easy to move around and reconfigure according to your horse's needs. At the Farm, Jerry's been kind enough to provide us with plenty of barrels, but if you don't have any at home you can improvise - just make sure the object is safe, even if your horse bumps into it.

Exercise:  Squeeze between barrels.

GOAL:  Your horse can move both forwards and backwards in a narrow alley, with confidence.

Start simply.  Lay two barrels down, as if you were creating a jump for you horse, but leave a hole about three feet wide between them. Now ask your horse to go through the opening. It is best to stand to one side as you ask your horse forward through the hole, as a very worried horse might jump forward. That said - if your horse acts worried, just open the hole some more.  The idea is to build his confidence, not force him.  

When your horse feels comfortable with going forward, go ahead and try backing in and out of the opening, using the skills you developed in the backing over a pole exercise. Try narrowing the opening between the barrels.  Next turn the barrels lengthwise, so they make a three-foot chute for him to go backwards and forwards through.  Stand the barrels on their ends so they are a tall, narrow space to pass through.  

Add a few barrels as you go to make the obstacle longer. Practice standing both to the left and right of your horse, as well as in front of the barrels (in effect leading him through) and behind the barrels (sending him through).  Always make sure your horse can wait and relax in the middle of the obstacle.

We now have the basic forward, backward, and "in-between" exercises.  Next month we will talk about a couple of yields I like to make sure the horse understands before asking him into the trailer. 

 by Michelle Grimmer

Spring has sprung, and Swish (the wonder horse) and I are working hard to further our jumping skills development. We are looking forward to opportunities to test those skills, and so far in 2014 we have been fortunate to be able to attend three educational clinics and a jumping derby competition. These activities early in the year have given me a good idea of what Swish will need to prepare her for the upcoming show season where she will be competing in the sport of 3-Day Eventing.

It's great to have a vision of where you are going with your horse, whether related to competition or simply achieving greater skill in your pleasure riding. Imagine what you want to be able to do - wouldn't that be great? Riding down a new trail, say, or staying in contact with your horse as you ride a pattern in the arena.

Goal setting can be as simple as working toward strengthening your maneuvering skills so that you and your horse can stay in rhythm and balance while negotiating turns confidently on the trail or in the arena. So I'd urge you to pick some aspect of your riding you've been noticing lately, and articulate it as a goal, while holding a vision of what success will look like, and plan a few steps to get you and your horse there.

Picking manageable goals within your vision will give you steps in the right direction. Taking those steps to accomplish your goals will give you a well-deserved sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the partnership you are developing with your horse.