46 SIDELINES DECEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Answer:
Ground work is one of the most powerful things
you can do with a horse, mainly because you can develop a
stronger, more trusting relationship built on communication and
understanding. You can read your horse’s body language, look
at his eye and expressions … and your horse can do the same
with you.
On the ground is also the best place to teach your horse to
understand your aids. You can help him learn to give or yield
from pressure (which will translate to your leg and rein aids
once mounted) and learn simple movements such as forwards,
backwards, turning, circling and going sideways. Many horses
have to learn this only once mounted, and sometimes it’s confusing
and they can get defensive. If they’ve learned it on the ground, the
transition to riding aids is much easier.
With a young horse, you have the opportunity to do a lot on the
ground that will pay huge dividends once you ride. Not to sound
like a broken record, but I suggest you check out the Parelli Seven
Games, which will help you build a
language on the ground and give
you the foundation elements for both
long lining and riding your horse.
The Seven Games are the keys
to building a positive and friendly
relationship with your horse resulting
in a calm, connected, responsive
partner.
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By Linda Parelli
Question:
I just got a new
gelding about threemonths ago.
He is a 17-year-old Oldenburg
and I got him as a schoolmaster
to learn on. I have been taking
regular lessons with him. The
problem is that when we go
to school the piaffe, flying
changes and pirouettes, he
gets really tight and tense, and
even blows up (rearing, tries to
run off, etc.). Do you have any
advice for helping him to find
relaxation in these higher-level
maneuvers?
Answer:
One of the main
reasons horses get tight or blow
up is because we have asked for
too much, for too long, or before
they are ready for the maneuver.
The answer is actually quite
simple! You need to help your
horse trust that you are not going to overload him. Every time
you feel him start to get tense, pet him and go to a long rein walk.
Walk until he blows out through his nostrils, then pick up the reins
and try again.
The approach is simple, but what you may find hard is the
patience you’ll need! But your patience is exactly what will help
your horse stop being afraid. Once he knows he can trust you not
to push him over his edge, he will have the confidence to mentally
and emotionally stay with you rather than want to escape. The
key is to do it
every
time, no matter how often it happens. In the
first week or two, you may feel like you are not getting anything
accomplished because you are not doing much piaffe or pirouettes
or changes, but you will be making significant progress in the very
thing your horse is lacking. He can do the maneuvers, but he is
terrified of them. If you can give your horse what he needs, he’ll
give you what you want.
Question:
I just got a young three-year-old German Sport
Pony gelding and my goal is to bring him up through the
dressage levels. He has had 10 rides on him and I want to
bring him along slowly. I have heard great things about the
benefits of using long lines with young horses, and I was
wondering if you had any advice on long lining or other
groundwork I could do to bring him along physically and
mentally. Thanks for your help!
About the writer: Linda Parelli’s experience with Pat Parelli as co-founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, coupled with her time
studying with classical dressage master Walter Zettl, has given her unique insight into horse psychology and development. Linda’s gift
for identifying and interpreting horse behavior and teaching her students to bring out the best in their unique horse makes her one of
the most sought-after natural horsemanship experts in the world today.
Walking on a long rein can help relieve your horse’s
tension, but it may require some patience on your part!
Credit: Terri Cage
Teaching Your Horse To Be Calm
Questions Answered
Linda Parelli
