Question: I would like to know where to find ground training materials
- and or advice on teaching my big 16.2h gelding to park out, from the
ground and from the saddle...Where do you start? Thanks, Janell
From Panelist Laura
Parking 101 - Start by teaching your horse to stand still. Tell him "stand
still" and reinforce it by giving a light pull on the reins/halter if he
moves forward. When he can stand still for a couple of minutes, now you can
start on teaching him how to move his feet.
Start with the back feet first. Use your lead/reins to back the
horse until
the back feet are even. Use a phrase like "back foot" instead
of "back" so
he doesn't think this is just backing up. After the back feet
are set, tell
him to stand still.
Now work on the front feet. Raise the horse's head a little with
the lead
and turn the head slightly away from whichever foot you want him to
move
forward. Lightly tap that foot with a whip or your foot, lightly
pull the
horse forward and say "come out." Praise & pet him when he
moves the foot
forward. Do the same for the other foot. Don't try to come
out to a full
park at first. If the horse moves his front feet forward just
a few inches,
praise him and then tell him to stand still.
After the front feet are set - tap him under the jaw and tell him "head
up."
You want the head & neck to raise up to make his shoulders look
nice.
Remember to tell him to "stand still" every so often and praise him
while he
is still. Don't park him out too long at first.
When you are ready to move out - use a noticeable cue such as a loud
cluck or
say "walk." DO NOT use a cluck to get him to move feet - save
that cue for
moving forward. Only practice this a few times a day so he doesn't
get bored
or sour. Good Luck.
