Obstacles and Horses

Teaching horses how excel at doing obstacles can benefit them in many ways if done appropriately, and without force. Obstacles are a great way for handlers to get creative while working with their horses by adding variety, different patterns, and to creatively come up with ways to set their horses up for success to build confidence.

Building your horses confidence is one of the best parts of teaching obstacles. They learn how to tackle difficult tasks so when they are presented with challenging training tasks they tend to overcome those challenges faster and calmer. It teaches them to think more instead of reacting in fear.

Obstacle work is like cross training in the gym. It enhances the horse’s regular performance, or pleasure activities such as trail riding. It builds different muscles, stretches areas of the horse’s body, and improves both the horse and rider’s balance. Certain obstacles can improve muscle tone, activate their core, and encourages them use their top line.

Using different types of obstacles and patterns mentally stimulates the horse. The variety can keep them focused and engaged, which can create a positive attitude, and cur boredom within their regular training.

In order to truly build confidence by using obstacles in a horses training, the horse needs to be relaxed. If they are not relaxed, they will become fearful, lose confidence, and not enjoy them. Teaching them as positively as possible through curiosity is so important. Reward any effort they show towards a new obstacle.

Throw expectations out the window! It may take a week for a horse to feel comfortable enough to put their front feet on a bridge or pedestal. That is ok. Refrain from adding pressure at the obstacle. Instead, add harder training exercises away from the obstacle they are fearful of, and then give them relief at any signs of curiosity towards the obstacle. Try some clicker training to mark all good behavior at the obstacles. It is important to reward the slightest try.

Once a horse gets comfortable doing obstacles, it becomes so much fun for both the horse and handler! It certainly helps to build a great connection.