Ground exercises

Gentle_Warrior

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 December 2006
Messages
2,529
Visit site
What ground exercises can I do from the ground ?? The reason is that he is for ever shoving me and invading my space. I love him and I rather he like this than scared but I feel he is enforcing his dominance over me. Is there anything I can do to get him to respect me a little more ??

To ask him to move I have to lean with my whole body. I want to train him to move away from me easier.

Does this make sense ??

He is 15 and not the smallest of horses.
 
u need a long lead rope or heavy lunge line.

stand next to his shoulders facing his bum and tel him "over" whilst swinging the rope at his quarters, you dont hit him with it but most horses will move away from the swinging rope.when he moves over his head will come towards yoo, give him a rub on his face.

it is a sort of join up technique that richard maxwell uses. check out his site for a better idea of how to do it!
 
I can empathise as my boy was, and still can be at times, the same and it can be quite intimidating. Lots and lots of lunging seemed to help remind him that he wasn't in charge and to respect my personal space. Also agree with lizstug's exercise. Be firm and persistent with him.
Good luck.
 
go back to scratch and do join up and lunging with him - get him to respect you on that level and you'll find he'll respect your space better on the ground - worked for me anyway.
 
Kelly Marks's book Perfect Manners has some excellent ground work Exercises in it - good for getting your horse to respect your space and also fun at the same time - for both of you
grin.gif

Other good book for ground work is the Day's book 'Fearless Horse'.

Good Luck!
grin.gif
 
If he takes a step towards you make him take a step back. Making them back up is great for submission both on the ground and when being ridden. When asking him to move over what does he do if you give him a tap? It sounds to me as if he needs a bit of a sharp shock to make him realise you mean business.
 
Thanks Guys

Nat1003 - he just ignores me until I stick a finger in his ribs rather hard !!! he then only shuffle over and normally just goes back to where he was in the first place !!!
 
Top