Your cart

Your cart is empty

Mastering Spirals: Training a Greener Horse

Mastering Spirals: Training a Greener Horse

Training Tips

Introduction to Spirals
Welcome to another blog of horse training! In this session, we focus on spirals—a method designed to make horses soft and supple in the reins. Some viewers mentioned our previous demonstration seemed too smooth, so we’ve chosen a greener horse for this video. This horse has minimal training under saddle, ensuring you can see how we address common challenges during spirals.

What Are Spirals?

Spirals are a foundational exercise to help horses respond softly to rein pressure. By encouraging the horse to yield to pressure, we teach them to move calmly and think about their movements rather than react impulsively. This technique is perfect for building a reliable connection with your horse.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spirals

1. Starting the Exercise

  • Use a halter to keep things simple.
  • Begin by walking your horse in a circle to the left. Touch the rein lightly, and release when the horse gives to the pressure.

2. Introducing Stops and Backing Up

  • As the circle gets smaller, stop your horse, and ask them to back up.
  • Repeat the same process in the other direction.

3. Reinforce Calm Behavior

  • If the horse moves off without being asked, bring them into another spiral to redirect their focus.
  • Every time they walk off prematurely, they must circle back and back up.

The Theory Behind Spirals

Control the Head, Control the Horse
By moving the horse’s head from side to side, you reduce their power and keep them focused. Spirals help redirect energy, breaking patterns of resistance like pulling or rushing.

Building Flexion and Collection
Before achieving collection, horses need flexibility. Spirals create the foundation for softening the horse's head and neck, aligning them for more advanced movements.

Tips for Success

Stay Calm Under Pressure
Horses feed off your energy. If you tighten your core or get frantic when things go wrong, it exacerbates the horse’s anxiety. Stay relaxed, even when correcting their behavior.

Consistency Is Key

  • Lock your inside hand when the horse resists, allowing them to run into the pressure.
  • Treat your hand like an immovable object, so the horse learns it won’t budge.

Why Spirals Work
A horse’s three main resistance tactics—bucking, bolting, and rearing—rely on a straight line of movement. By taking their head off-center with spirals, you remove their leverage, making them more manageable and responsive.

Addressing Challenges

Dealing with Resistance

  • Some horses may throw their heads or resist turning. Maintain steady rein pressure to guide them back.
  • If they persist, remain patient. Consistency helps them understand boundaries without creating frustration.

Achieving Long-Term Results
As your horse becomes softer in the reins, you’ll notice an increased willingness to communicate. The goal is to create a horse that listens and collaborates, even when unsure of what’s expected.

Wrapping It Up

Spirals are a simple yet powerful tool for training greener horses. They teach softness, respect, and communication—key elements of any successful partnership.

We Want to Hear from You!
Thank you for watching! Share your feedback and let us know what challenges you’re facing with your horse. We’re here to help you bond with your equine partner and achieve your riding goals. Drop your comments below, and let us know what training videos you’d like to see next!

 

Check out more free training resources HERE!

Previous post
Next post
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.

check out more articles

How to Handle a Resistant Horse: Flexing in Motion

How to Handle a Resistant Horse: Flexing in Motion

By Michael Gascon

Struggling with a resistant horse? Teaching "flexing in motion" is the key to gaining control and improving softness, even with the most challenging mounts. This blog breaks down step-by-step...

Read more
Mastering Advanced Flexing in Motion

Mastering Advanced Flexing in Motion

By Michael Gascon

Advanced flexing in motion takes your horsemanship to the next level by teaching your horse to soften, break at the poll, and respond seamlessly to two-handed cues. This technique...

Read more
Michael Gascon posing gracefully with a horse, showcasing a harmonious connection and the bond between the equestrian and the equine partner.

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?