| A relationship with the horse is founded on trust and | | | | The basics should be mastered. For instance, your |
| bond between human and animal. There is no such | | | | riding and hand position. There should be a straight |
| thing as a problem horse, only problem owners. It will | | | | line from the back of your ear down to the back of |
| take great understanding from the horseperson's part | | | | your heel. Use a long ruler to test yourself. Your toes |
| to make any horse the best horse it can be. | | | | must be up, and your heels down. However, do not |
| Educating yourself with tips in horsemanship will be | | | | appear stiff and always look relaxed, keeping your |
| the best investment you can make for your long | | | | hands collected. Try to feel the horse and become |
| term relationship with your horse. | | | | one with the movement of the creature. |
| To be an effective horseman, you must think like a | | | | Tip no. 2 - The Performance |
| horse or understand how the horse's mind works. | | | | If you have your equipment well prepared, and |
| Horse psychology if you will. It is only through this | | | | placed in a secure and optimal manner, then your |
| that you can do well with horsemanship. There are | | | | mount and dismount will greatly benefit. Never let the |
| so many aspects of horsemanship, it can be | | | | reins touch the ground. Do not cross them after |
| overwhelming at first. With experience and research, | | | | mounting either. The back of your saddle should |
| you will know to take the right action in various | | | | never be slapped upon mounting the horse. |
| circumstances. | | | | Watch your markers. Try to be aware if you are |
| Here are some tips for effective horsemanship: | | | | bouncing up and down or rocking back and forth |
| Tip no. 1 - Appearance and Preparation of Equipment | | | | when riding. Try to minimize unnecessary movements |
| In horsemanship, grooming, appearance, and setting | | | | while walking or loping. Know the size and speed |
| of equipment play crucial roles. Your horses must be | | | | variation to make in accordance to the pattern. Make |
| clean and groomed to insure comfort and safety for | | | | it clear when you are doing your pattern. Better to |
| the rider and horse. The hooves of your horse must | | | | use your legs and not the hands. Trust your horse. |
| be given attention. Make sure you have them | | | | Tip no. 3 - Overall Knowledge |
| properly trimmed and cared for, and shod if the | | | | It is best to know everything about your horse and |
| horse will be used heavily or on hard surfaces. | | | | its tack before you attempt to ride. If the horse is |
| Your equipment should be safe and sturdy. Saddles, | | | | not yours but one that is borrowed, make sure that |
| reins, and bit must be clean. Make sure you, your | | | | you ask the individual who owns the horse what you |
| horse, and your equipment is functional and prepared. | | | | can expect from the animal. |
| If you are anticipating showing your animal, your | | | | You should be knowledgeable about the horse's |
| demeanor must be pleasant too. Smile and have fun. | | | | anatomy, injuries, and any issues that may present |
| Use the whole arena to your advantage. Your horse, | | | | themselves. If showing the animal, prepare for |
| with your support, should own the stage. Stay in | | | | questions about your chosen event. |
| control at all times and make it look as effortless as | | | | Apply these tips in horsemanship for success. |
| possible. It is all about control and presentation! | | | | |