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Dragging A Barrel While Riding

Dragging A Barrel While Riding

Training Tips

Today, we'll delve into the art of teaching a young colt to confidently navigate obstacles and face his fears

Watch The Video Here Or Continue Reading Below!

Introducing Benjamin, the 30-Day Colt Start

In this journey with Benjamin, a three-year-old quarter horse, we're embarking on a crucial step: teaching him to drag. Benjamin's future holds roping and trick riding, so it's essential he becomes comfortable with items being dragged behind him.

Choosing the Right Equipment

To start, I've selected a barrel for this exercise. It's substantial enough to provide resistance but manageable for me to handle with one hand. If a barrel is too heavy, consider using a can bag instead. The key is to be able to hold it easily while maintaining control of the horse.

Handling the Rope

Instead of fastening off and dallying, I prefer to keep the rope in my hand. This way, I can control the situation more effectively, especially until Benjamin proves he can handle it. By keeping the rope in the same hand as the reins, I can guide his movements and prevent him from spinning unexpectedly.

Building Confidence

Approaching the barrel, I allow Benjamin to observe it. Despite his calm demeanor, I remain vigilant. Calm horses can become reactive when faced with unexpected stimuli. As I move the barrel around him, I use a combination of muscle control and release to direct his attention towards it.

Gradual Exposure

I gradually introduce the barrel to different parts of Benjamin's body, ensuring he remains calm throughout the process. Starting with knots in my hand, I gradually transition to attaching it to the horn, allowing it to touch his sides gently. Each step is about building trust and familiarity.

Facing Fears

Encouraging Benjamin to face his fears is crucial. By guiding him to confront the object rather than turning away from it, we're teaching him resilience and control. His muzzle becomes the center of investigation, as he learns to approach unfamiliar objects with curiosity rather than fear.

Key Takeaways

As we conclude this session, it's essential to remember a few key points. Always keep the rope in the same hand as the reins for optimal control. Guide the horse to face the object of fear rather than turning away from it. And most importantly, progress gradually, building trust and confidence every step of the way.

Conclusion

Teaching Benjamin to drag the barrel was a success. It's a crucial step in preparing him for his future endeavors in roping and trick riding. By facing his fears and gradually exposing him to new experiences, we're laying the foundation for a confident and capable horse. I encourage you to try similar exercises with your horse and share your experiences in the comments. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and until next time, happy trails!

Check out more free training resources HERE!

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Promotional image featuring Michael Gascon with his horse, used to promote the Horse Safety Free PDF Checklist. Encouraging horse enthusiasts to download the checklist for essential safety tips and guidelines.

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HORSE?

Can you control every part of his body, even if he’s scared or unsure?

There are some specific things that I believe every horse should be able to do before they are considered completely safe to ride. So that you can see how safe your horse is to ride, I’ve created this FREE Horse Safety Checklist.

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Meet The Author: Michael Gascon!

I'm a 5th-generation, world-renowned horse trainer. My training methods have given tens-of-thousands of people a direct, no B.S. guide to training their horse to create more confidence, more fulfillment, and more enjoyable times with their four-legged friends.

As riders, we all want our horses to achieve their potential, but many people struggle with the process to get there.

I'm here to help you achieve maximum performance, relaxation, and focus by teaching you The Language Of The Horse.

The only requirement? The desire to learn more and have FUN with your horse.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU HAVE FUN WITH YOUR HORSE?