A non-existent horse plays an important part in one well-known film! ‘ A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!’ cries Richard 111 when he finds himself steedless and at the mercy of his enemies on Bosworth Field.The horses in these movies are, however, a far cry from Shakespeare’s evil Richard and the horse – any horse – he so desperately needed. While life in Richard III’s time may have been bloodier and generally a great deal more perilous, at least they didn’t have to worry about the necessities of veterinary bills or horse insurance!

The Black Stallion
This award winning film was produced in 1979 – some 400 years after Shakespeare.It tells the story of the relationship between Alec and a spirited Arabian stallion. Especially memorable is the shipwreck scene and Alec’s subsequent rescue from drowning by the horse and the ensuing time on a desert island where they learn to overcome the mistrust they previously felt for each other. This trust becomes total and the two become inseparable. The film is a fine illustration of how close a horse and a man can get with each other. I won’t tell you any more in case I spoil things for those who haven’t yet seen it. It’s sufficient to record one critic’s opinion, that it was perhaps ‘the greatest children’s movie ever made’.But adults too can find much to relish in the film.

Black Beauty
Does a horse have to be black?. Would you be excited at the title ‘Piebald Beauty’?. Unlike the Black Stallion, which we see as outside observers, this 1994 film puts Black Beauty as the narrator. This narration is spoilt by the obvious fact that the script has been written by a human. I don’t mean that it doesn’t neigh and whinny like a horse; such a practice would soon empty any cinema. No, it’s the content of what the horse says that’s so human. And, unfortunately, it voices the opinions of a rather naive and sanctimonious human. However hard you try, you cannot fail to find Black Beauty’s human attitudes and voice clumsy and ineffective. Although there’s a lot of cringing sentimentality, there’s also some magnificent photography especially of Black Beauty strutting her stuff.

The Horse Whisperer
This film was issued 4 years later, in 1998. Following a cruel accident, Grace and her beloved horse, Pilgrim, are seen slowly but surely regaining their confidence and health. Following this accident, Grace’s mother, Annie, takes daughter and horse to the wide open spaces of Montana to seek the help of a man, Tom, who’s renowned for his ability to empathize with troubled horses. It is not only with horses that Tom can form close bonds; it’s with troubled women as well. Tom soon has both Annie and Pilgrim doting on him. The film is not, though, only about the recovery of Grace and Pilgrim and the love that dawns between Annie and Tom; it’s also about the differences between city life (Annie came from a hectic metropolitan life in Manhattan) and country life. Annie must choose between her high-flying sophisticated lawyer husband and the more down-to-earth and homely horse whisperer. Guess which one she chooses!

It’s not only the horses that are moving – whether galloping, cantering, or trotting – it’s also some of the more emotional scenes. Some of the scenes are truly idyllic and beautiful ; some of the ‘moving’ moments might make you laugh or weep. Metaphors as well as riders are on the backs of these horses. Only you can decide the nature of the message and whether or not it’s a help or a hindrance to the story of the horse. The answer can be obtained by a phone call to your local DVD store!

This article has been published for the millions of horse enthusiasts all over the world by Animal Friends Equine Insurance – the UK’s only not-for-profit horse insurance provider. Horse rider insurance can be bought today online or by phone, and all net profits go to benefit troubled animals all over the world. You can read more about the many charities helped by Animal Friends on the charity support pages of their ethical pet insurance website.

Aside from  equestrian horses apparel, horse riders should look after their horses because after all , the health of the pony has a heavy major} impact on the result when they are in a competition.  Whatever of the sports the pony will be engaged in, he has to be ready for the occasion, something that proper horse riding apparel is essential for.  Folks who ride horses aren’t the only ones who want to look as good as they can but the pony should look healthy too since there are a lot of items available for the pony that the riders can pick from.

The dressing kit is one of the most significant supplies, as the horse must be well-presented and correctly fitted out.  With it horse riders will be able to preserve their horse’s coat in good shape.  Grooming renders an excellent chance to check the pony for shock and promotes good circulation at the same time.

The grooming kit is made up of different implements to keep the pony clean, with each of these implements having a different purpose when cleansing the pony, a few of these are noted below : The dandy brush uses long bristles and its main purpose is to get rid of soil from the outside of the coat, especially used in less delicate regions of the pony.

Body brushes are bound in leather and come in both hard or soft variations to serve diverse wants.  These cleaners are good to dump the grease and riding dust from the pony’s body, and to clean the many fragile areas of the pony.  Alter brushing the pony, the curry brush is used to clean the brush, not for brushing the horse.

This product get the various debris out of the brush, so that you can easily employ the same brush again and again on your horse.

The rubber curry brush is used to clean the pony’s mane and tail, to get rid of caked mud and loose hair.  As its name advises, a water brush is used to apply water to your horse’s coat when washing it.

A mane comb, which is obtainable in metal and plastic, is employed for exactly what it sounds like – head of hair and tail.  Aside from the short metal combs used for drawing manes, particular brushs that contain a blade, are used to thin out the mane.  Hoof picks are used to take of dust, stone and other debris that are picked up in their hooves while horse riding or grazing in the field.

To clean the eyes, nose, and wounds of the horse, use cotton fiber sponges, and to take of sweat or additional water from washing, use a sweat scraper.  Ultimately is the dressing kit box which can be any container or holdall with sufficient storage for the brushes, but there is no reason why you can’t employ a plain canvas bag with a drawing string.

Working towards a close and loving relationship with your horse can bring health benefits to you both. You may not think your companionship plays a big role in your horse’s health, but in actuality, it does! If you take good care of him, you can develop a long lasting bond with your horse, which in turn leads to excellent horse health, close companionship and a happy horse that should live a long life.

Treat Your Horse like He’s Family.

Most horse owners treat their horses as a part of their family, feeding them well, including exercise into lifestyle, keeping him well groomed and showering them with lots of love and attention. Whether you have horses for show, sport or leisure, having horses is a wonderful experience because they are beautiful loving animals. A horse can provide a rewarding experience for those involved in caring for it.

The Correct Way to Care for your Horse.

The specific breed of horse will to some extent determine the level of care, maintenance and exercise needed. They may be easy-going and loving animals, but like any other pet animal, there are certain essentials you will need to provide to ensure their health and happiness. Below are important things you need to include in your horse’s life if you plan to have a happy and healthy horse.

• A large animal like a horse demands a high level of upkeep and care.
• Horses are herd animals – they are sociable and require attention and lots of love.
• You’ll need to visit them daily and care for them as part of your family.
• A horse needs an activity to engage in every day which will stave away boredom.
• Your horse will need a stall comfortable and big enough in which to eat and sleep.
• You must provide a healthy horse diet.
• You must provide the horse with lots of water daily.
• Annual vaccinations will be necessary.
• Routine health check-ups including worming and dental care.
• Foot care (hoof maintenance).
• Obedience training.
• You’ll need to have access to a large enough and well-maintained area in which to exercise your horse.

A horse will often misbehave if he thinks he is not getting enough attention. For example, they may try to break out of the stall to roam nearby fields to find things to do. Their general behaviour may change first of all. They can behave in a similar fashion to children, and will disobey or act naughtily to try to gain attention from you!

If you plan to get horses make sure you are ready because more than any other pet owning a horse is a huge commitment. Horse care can be very expensive, particularly if your horse has an accident or develops an unexpected illness and needs veterinary treatment. This is just one of many reasons for which you will need to ensure you have good horse insurance.

A Healthy Horse Needs Plenty of Exercise.

Like us, horses like to have a bit of fun. Perform regular exercises to keep your horse healthy and happy. Exercising should not, and does not need to be all day long. Horses should rest too. Remember also that it’s important to include a variety of different work and exercises for your horse as otherwise he will get bored quickly. You need try to change of similar activities or work frequently so the horses remain interested all the time.

Exercises to Help Maintain the Health and Strength of your Horse.

• Riding in circles/Bending exercises: using circles in a figure of eight movement. You should perform these circle eight movements on both reins (left and right) to maintain even suppleness and balance on both reins.
• Lateral work: Lateral work is similar to gymnastics. First you need to do groundwork exercises with your horse. You will notice that the horse’s obedience, strength and flexibility will improve over time.
• Pacing: The purpose of pacing is to improve the horses pace. Your training should focus on teaching your horse how to politely speed up or slow down. An example is walking to trotting.
• Training and control techniques; including endurance, jumping and dressage. The purpose of the dressage technique is to focus on improving pacing and lateral work. Endurance riding, as the name would suggest, focuses on improving the stamina of a horse.

You can exercise your horse virtually anywhere that space and safety allows. Only exercise your horse in a secure area that he cannot escape from. Ensure the area is safe for both you and the horse to work in so as to avoid injury. You can buy horse insurance to cover you if you are riding someone else’s horse; so be safe rather than sorry, as accidents can and do happen even to the most cautious of riders.

Horse exercise works well when executed in an area where the horse can concentrate. Areas that work well are either an indoor or outdoor arena, or a specific area in a field or on a farm.

Riders as well as Horses will Benefit from Horse Exercises.

Both horse and rider will benefit from these exercises, as a rider can practice balance and position whilst performing them. The rider’s skills can improve dramatically over a short period. The goal for a horse rider is to develop good “contact”. This term refers to how connected you feel with the horse, both through your upper body to the horse’s back and also through your hands and down the reins to his mouth. Your level of “contact” is determined by how well your horse has been trained and how much the horse has retained. A well-trained horse will have the ability to work through the back and hindquarters. You will know when you have established a good contact when you feel the reins soften as your horse arches it’s neck in front of you and rises it’s back under you, you will also notice that your horse will use its hindquarters to thrust itself forward, rather than pulling onward from the forehand.

Once you have developed good contact with your horse you will be able to work and perform exercises together which will help to improve your horse’s health and increase your horse’s level of happiness by creating a tight bond with your horse.

While exercise is key to a happy horse, other things can occur which may effect the health of your horse. If only it were true that a happy horse will always be a healthy horse. Sadly there are plenty of ailments and illnesses from which horses can suffer, which is why it is important to also have good horse insurance to cover the cost of unexpected vet’s fees.

You never forget the day that you first see the horse that’s going to change your life. Riders first connect with a horse the first time they see and ride them. That connection doesn’t happen when shopping in a horse sales advertisement. You can’t commit to something you can’t see, and sometimes a two dimensional picture just isn’t enough.

For one of the most popular horses and ponies for sale websites in the UK and USA that list thousands of Horses for Sale as well as Horse and Ponies for Loan check out Horses for Sale.

The secret to making sure your horse goes to the right home is to make your horse sales advertisements count.

A good sales advertisement is one that can convince a potential buyer to come take that first look at your horse. A good horse sales ad should include a brief summary of the horse’s physical characteristics. Thoroughbreds should also come with their pedigree, particularly their dam and sire. The performance of their sire and/or dam is a strong precursor to how effective their performance will be as well if placed in the right hands.

If you are looking for one of the most popular top equestrian websites for the Sale and Loan of Horses and Ponies then check out Horses for Sale.

Potential buyers also want to envision how your horse performs under tack. Is your horse best suited for the ring or the oval or are they happiest when they’re out on the trail? Their training is going to heavily influence your buyers’ ability to recognize that your horse is the right choice for their needs.

Is their personality sweet and cooperative or stubborn and willful? A horse’s personality can be as different as night and day. Some horses demand an experienced rider, while others are perfect for beginners. Your horse’s ability to get along with both other riders and other horses is going to affect how well you’re able to place them in a new home.

The real secret to successful horse sales is to give the viewer the chance to understand who your horse really is. When you’ve done that you can be confident that you’re in the perfect position to attract the kind of buyer your horse deserves.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and it has given you an insight into the world of “how and where” to buy horses for sale and horses and ponies for loan. For a huge selection visit one of the top equestrian sites online today please visit: Horseboxes for Sale

Bonding with your horse will allow you to learn and respond to his feelings and reactions in different situations. Over time you will learn his body language. A calm and responsive manner is a sign of a happy horse. They will keep their head lowered, and have soft eyes and a relaxed jaw. A happy and contented horse will want your love in return and show respect to you. When a horse yawns this is not a sign of being bored, but a sign that he is calm and relaxed. A horse will show that he is uncomfortable in a number of ways, including holding his head high and with a tense jaw, darting his eyes around, and not wanting to stand still. Allow the horse time to settle himself slowly in order to avoid the onset of “flight” mode and further stress.

Grooming your horse gives you the opportunity to check him over regularly. It is advisable to check your horse’s teeth, eyes, hooves, shoes and droppings frequently. Any change in the normal should be reported to your vet at the earliest opportunity – any delay could cause you extra worry, expense and a potential claim on your horse insurance. Regular appointments for worming and routine vaccinations are essential. Worms and parasites can build up immunity to medication so to minimize this you should rotate the medications. Colic, heart and immunity problems can all be caused by lack of suitable medication. Vaccinations for encephalitis, rhinoneumonitis and influenza are essential for a healthy horse. A good idea would be to have tetanus and rabies vaccinations too. Regular users of trailers at show and equestrian events may need to show a negative Coggins test for presence of the incurable virus EIA or equine infectious anaemia.

An important part of keeping a horse happy and comfortable is making sure you have a good farrier who visits regularly. It is important for your horse’s comfort, mood and performance that you do not allow his feet to get too long and unbalanced. Your horse will need his hooves trimmed by a farrier at least every eight weeks; sometimes more often is necessary.

A blanket or coat during winter, and a fly-protective sheet in summer are simple ways to keep your horse physically comfortable. If your horse is prone to lathering during or after exercise then it may be best to use a horse cooler until he has calmed down. A horse’s body could go into shock if given water directly after being ridden. It is also important to let your horse cool down properly after exercise and before feeding. Leave it for an hour after meals before exercising your horse.

Horses need to have a purpose in life – whether this be for work or pleasure. Horses glory in feeling worthwhile. It is important for a horse’s sense of purpose and focus that he receives regular praise – especially when young – for performing simple tasks such as simply standing still or in the right place. As horses are naturally inquisitive animals, they will become more brave, positive and confident the more new experiences you introduce to them.

A horse is a beautiful and magnificent creature that deserves a good home for life with excellent care. You have a responsibility as a horse owner to provide the very best in care and welfare. Keeping a horse can be a very expensive business, and without good horse insurance provided by a specialist equine insurer, it is possible to quickly run into financial problems if your horse should become sick or sustain an injury. By looking out for your horse’s health and happiness you will be rewarded with love a hundred times over from your equine friend.

Horse training requires a firm basis on the ground before you can move onto saddle training; here are a few basic exercises outlined which can be used when training your own horse or someone else’s. It is important to get these exercises right first, as this is how you and the horse will become familiar with each other and build a trusting relationship. It is the groundwork that will pave the way for future training. It is important for your safety that your new ton-sized friend is taught to respect your personal space bubble.

Successful horse training requires patience, persistence and lots of positive reinforcement. These three P’s can be applied to all current and future levels of horse training.

1. Groom your horse. This is the perfect first exercise for you and your horse. You’ll get to know each other. Stand beside him and brush his neck and back. A horse will often turn to give you a little love bit at this time. Horses do this to each other, but may not do it to humans. You can discourage this easily enough by the wave of a hand or by pushing his head back to the straight position. Those teeth are HUGE so you must make it clear from the beginning that this is unacceptable. Use patience and keep calm. The horse will understand and cooperate before too long. It will do you no good to panic, stress, smack your horse or get otherwise agitated. This will only set you back with your trust levels.

2. Lead your horse. Walk on the left side of your horse, holding the lead rope just below his chin in your right hand. Take a step and walk slowly forward. He should remain at your right side and never try to go ahead of you. If he tries to go ahead just walk around him to your left in a circle. Do this as many times as necessary. Show persistence. Use the circular movement to stay just ahead of him, where you should be. Should your horse not want to walk with you then stand slightly behind him, at his shoulder, facing the same direction. While holding the rope close to his chin, push forward gently. Give praise and positive reinforcement when he takes a small step. When he starts to walk willingly, take your place slightly ahead of him and walk on. Never wrap the lead rope around any part of yourself – this is for your own safety. If the horse decides to bolt you’ll be going along and it will not be pretty.

3. Lunge your horse.This is a great exercise used by most horse trainers and owners. Many of the skills, commands and cues that your horse will require for saddle work can be taught by performing lunging exercises.

In a large open area (an arena works, too, if you don’t have a round enclosure) clip your horse to a lunge lead specifically for lunging. The lungeing rope will be much longer than the lead rope at about thirty feet long. Clip the lead to the horse’s left halter side and hold the lead in your left hand. Face your horse’s left side to begin, whilst holding the lunge rope. Hold a lunge whip in your right hand which you’ll use to guide him along. Now step to your right sideways toward the rear of the horse while holding the whip out behind him. The horse’s natural reaction will be to step forward. Let the line out and follow the horse just behind and to the left side and make a kissing sound. Soon that sound will come to mean “move forward” to your horse. As you’re turning and the horse moves in a circle around you, hold the whip slightly behind his hindquarters. The whip is not for hitting. You only need to wave it just a little to get his attention.

Now, as he moves forward, you should move yourself slowly backwards, so that you come to the centre of your training circle. Stand in the middle and turn in a circle with the lunge line fully extended and the horse walking around you in a good circle. Watch your horse’s hip area as he’s going round.

The “whoa” command can be taught at this stage. In a low, calm voice, say the word “whoooaa”. At the same time, step toward your horse’s head and repeat the word. Be sure to give him a neck rub with lots of praise when he stops. Your horse needs this positive reinforcement if he is to remember what he needs to do.

You can now change position so that you are lunging your horse anti-clockwise. This is done simply by swapping the lead over to be clipped onto the right of the halter, and holding the lunge whip in your left hand.

These exercises are simple ways to get you started when traiing your horse. Bear in mind that a horse is a huge and powerful creature. This alone should be enough to remind you to have adequate horse insurance in place should either you or your equine be injured. Your success with training and all future activities depends both on safety and trust. As well as a loyal friend, your horse is also an investment, so remember to protect that investment against theft, accident or misadventure by making sure you compare horse insurance policies to ensure you are getting the best level of cover for both of your needs.

Saddle training is the ultimate goal for riding, but the groundwork must be laid first. You will first need to lead your horse from the trailer, for example, to the tack area in order to tack-up and then ride. Not much point in teaching your horse point B, the saddle riding part, if there’s no way to get there from point A is there?. When your horse learns to cooperate with you, you can act as a team. This cooperation begins with your ability to approach, catch, and halter him first. Then you’ll need to lead your horse about with a halter and a lead rope.

The primary objective in teaching a horse acceptable behaviour is safety for both of you. He will need to be taught that his natural tendency to pull against the lead rope, for example, is not allowed. Your horse should also know that he must not invade the personal space of the human leader on the other end of the rope. Accidents can easily occur if proper consideration to teaching basic safety manners to your horse is not given before moving on to more advanced training. Whilst a good equine insurance policy may cover you for accidents that happen in training, it’s obviously far more preferable not to have to find this out!

Leading your horse requires that you use the three Ps of horse training: patience, persistence and positive reinforcement. Having already accomplished haltering, it is likely that you have already discovered the effectiveness of the three Ps.

Beginning lead training when the horse is still a foal is the easiest plan. Although you won’t need to cover saddles and riding with a very young horse, it’s important to get an early start when teaching basic ground manners. The young horse will need to cooperate for farrier and vet visits, as well as for the various people moving about the yard, stables or paddock.

If you’re lucky enough to have the dam on site, the foal will copy the behaviours of the dam. Don’t worry if the dam is not present, as it works as well with any horse which the foal spends time with. A young horse will naturally learn from his elders. For example, you don’t need to teach a horse in the pasture how to graze or go to the water and drink. They learn by watching the others. If your student is older, you can still use another horse’s example by haltering and leading the other horse first. Horses notice everything that goes on around them – particularly if it involves other horses within the herd – so you can be sure that your student will be paying attention.

Begin by leading a more experienced horse or dam along with your young student horse, walking side by side with you in the middle leading both at once. The safest place for you to stand is to the left of your student’s shoulder, with the older horse to your left. A young horse could suddenly decide to bolt or to kick his heels, so make sure that you don’t wrap the lead rope around your hand or anywhere else that makes you vunerable. The last thing you need at this stage is complicating the process with an injury for which you may need to claim on your horse insurance.

If you have a calm horse which you think the foal will follow you could also use the pony method. Using a longer lead rope and simply tow the young trainee behind the more experienced horse. Since it’s natural for the young to follow the elders behaviours, this is actually a quite natural method for teaching the lead.

If you don’t have the luxury of having other horses close by from which your student can learn, you will need to rely heavily on your skills of patience, persistence and positive reinforcement. You will get there in the end but it will probably take a bit longer for the horse to understand what is required.

After satisfactory progress, it’s time to try it alone. Again, standing to the left of your young horse’s shoulder and with both of you looking straight ahead, gently walk forward and as you step out, tug very gently forward, then release any pressure on the rope as soon as the horse makes any motion to go forward. Understanding that release is a reward to your horse is a valuable tip used by professional trainers. It tells your horse he’s doing something right.

After you have him walking with you in straight lines with success, try turning slightly to the left, maintaining the space bubble between you. If he crowds you, use your right hand to push him out away from you and hold your arm out to the appropriate distance. Then try turning to the right with the same safety distance between the two of you, still using your right hand to guide him into the correct zone. Reward him each time he takes a step in the right direction by releasing the pressure on the lead rope.

Lead training can be a testing time. Stay with it and you will see great improvement. To get yourself closer to the day you can saddle up for a ride, you’ll need to put in the work; little and often (every day if possible) works best and will soon give you great results.

Below is a brief description of just three simple groundwork exercises you can perform with your own horse or a horse you are training. Ground exercises are a vital part of getting to know each other and of building trust between you and the horse. Good groundwork sets the stage for all future training. The importance of safety and maintaining your personal space bubble should not be taken lightly.

Successful horse training requires patience, persistence and lots of positive reinforcement. These are the 3 P’s of basic horse training that will serve you well no matter what level you are training or what you might be training for in the future.

1. Groom your horse.

This is a perfect place to start before practising more advanced exercises with your horse. Your horse will get to know you during this quality time together, and vice verse. Standing beside your horse, brush his back and neck. It is not unusual for the horse to bring his teeth around to you for a little love bite. While horses do this to each other all the time, naturally they cannot do it to humans. Discourage this by simply waving a hand, or by pushing his head back straight. Those massive teeth could really hurt – so be sure to make it clear from the very start that this is not acceptable. Use patience and keep calm. He’ll get the idea and will cooperate. It will do you no good to panic, stress, smack your horse or get otherwise agitated. This will only set you back with your trust levels.

2. Lead your horse.

Walk on the left side of your horse, holding the lead rope just below his chin in your right hand. Step forward and walk slowly. He should not try to go ahead of you but should remain at your right side. He may try to do this and you should walk around in a circle to your left. Do this as many times as necessary. Be persistent. By circling to your left you will stay just ahead of him as it should be. If, on the other hand, your horse doesn’t want to walk with you, stand slightly behind at his shoulder facing the same direction. Hold the rope close to his chin and push forward. When he takes a little step, praise and positive reinforcement is in order. When he starts to walk willingly, take your place slightly ahead of him and walk on. For your safety, never wrap the lead rope around any part of you. If the horse decides to bolt you’ll be going along and it will not be pretty.

3. Lunge your horse.

This is a fantastic exercise which the vast majority of horse owners and certainly all horse trainers will use to teach their horse about what is expected. Lunging will teach many of the skills and commands, or cues, your horse will need to know when you’re ready to work him under saddle.

In a large open area (an arena works, too, if you don’t have a round enclosure) clip your horse to a lunge lead specifically for lunging. This will be 30 ft long (approximately 10m), much longer than the short lead rope you use for the lead exercise.

Clip the lead to the horse’s left halter side and hold the lead in your left hand. Start by facing the horse’s left side while holding the lunge line. Hold a lunge whip in your right hand which you’ll use to guide him along.

Now step to your right sideways toward the rear of the horse while holding the whip out behind him. The horse’s natural reaction will be to step forward. Now let out the rope as you follow behind the horse to the left side, making a kissing sound as you do so. He’ll begin to associate that sound with “move forward”. Just hold the whip slightly behind the horse’s hindquarters as you are turning and the horse is moving in a circle around you. The whip is not for hitting. Simply by waving it about a little the horse should pay attention to you.

Now, as he moves forward, you should move yourself slowly backwards, so that you come to the centre of your training circle. Stand in the middle and turn in a circle with the lunge line fully extended and the horse walking around you in a good circle. Watch your horse’s hip area as he’s going round.

This is the perfect time to teach your horse to understand “whoa”. Say the word “whoooaaa” in a low and calm voice. At the same time, step toward your horse’s head and repeat the word. When he stops, give him lots of praise and a little neck rub. You will help him remember what to do through this positive reinforcement.

Changing your position now will allow you to lunge your horse in an anti-clockwise manner. It’s done in the same way, but with the lead clipped to the right side of the halter and the lunge whip in the left hand.

These are just a few basic exercises for you to get started with hands-on horse training. Always remember the size and sheer power of the horse. This alone should be enough to remind you to have adequate horse insurance in place should either you or your equine be injured. Your success with training and all future activities depends both on safety and trust. As well as a loyal friend, your horse is also an investment, so remember to protect that investment against theft, accident or misadventure by making sure you compare horse insurance policies to ensure you are getting the best level of cover for both of your needs.

When wanting to train a horse you first need to catch it. Although this may sound simple, it can be surprisingly frustrating when you attempt this for the first time. This is the most important step in horse training. The foundations of trust are laid in this step. It is important to remember the three Ps of horse training – patience, persistence and positive reinforcement – at every stage during the process of training your horse. These three elements work together to help you with each step of horse training.

The most efficient way to begin the approach is to have the horse in an enclosure of easily manageable size. A round pen is the best type of enclosure to use, but you can use any large fenced area or paddock if you don’t have one.

You should start by casually approaching the enclosure. Do your very best to relax and give the impression of calm. Leave your life’s stress outside the pen. Since horses are prey animals, they are easily intimidated by anyone or anything that emits stress or aggression of any kind. You wouldn’t want your horse to see you as a possible threat, which is how he will interpret those emotions. Trust needs to be built between you and the horse.

Go in with the horse but not to catch him yet. This will happen in good time. For the time being the priority is familiarisation – you with the horse and more importantly, the horse with you. Walk inside and just stand around for a couple of minutes. Don’t look at the horse directly. Predators eyeball their prey and stare into their eyes to intimidate them. Your horse must not see you as a predator. The horse needs to see you as part of the herd.

Take in a rake or a shovel next time and tidy up a bit. Do some basic maintenance checks on the fence panels. The horse should not be approached yet. Wait for the horse to approach and investigate your actions. A horse is a naturally curious creature. When the horse realises it’s you again, he will come to check you out with a good sniff.

If the horse is unfamiliar with human contact this step can take some time. For some horses shyness is not a problem, and they will approach you the minute you enter the enclosure. Both ways are acceptable. However long it takes for the horse to become accustomed to you, it is important for trust that you let him get there in his own time. Patience!

Don’t see this as an opportunity to grab the horse. The most important thing to remember here is patience. To build this foundation for training and for a lasting relationship takes time. It is important not to rush this step.

When the horse at last approaches you, turn your back and walk away. Make sure that you walk away before your horse does. You will show the horse that you are the one in charge by walking away first.

Begin to approach your horse, sideways on, only when you feel that you are familiar and comfortable in each others presence. Remember to use a slow, relaxed manner to walk towards the horse. A skittish equine can be approached more easily from the side. Without staring at the horse, move towards the side. Move closer to your new friend whilst glancing sideways. Do not ever attempt to fit the halter by sneaking up on your horse. How will you hold onto the horse when “caught” if the horse is frightened? Trust will be broken in this manner and you will be back to square one. And of course you could be hurt. The emphasis here is on patience and persistence.

On being allowed to get close to the horse, ensure that you use plenty of positive reinforcement. The first moments you spend together should have nothing to do with work. This step is about bonding. Stroking your horse along his neck area, grooming your horse, and talking to him softly are all methods of positive reinforcement. The horse should see this as enjoyable interaction. Now is the time you are both ready for training.

A word on safety:
Never approach a horse from behind unless you are very familiar and the horse knows you. A swift kick can be registered before you can even think about moving out of a horse’s way. Horses are much faster than humans, particularly if they feel threatened or surprised. Always approach where you can be seen.

Whether it is your own horse, or you are training the horse on somebody else’s behalf, it is always advisable to ensure that there is adequate equine insurancein place to protect you both should an accident occur during training. Horses, while very beautiful animals, are strong and powerful with the capability of delivering an incredibly debilitating kick. A good horse insurance policy will include third party liability, and it is definitely worth checking this before you begin with your training.

Horses are incredibly sensitive and it is important that they get the care and attention they deserve. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like us, they also need to feel a bit special, and the little extra love will go a long way.

Horses are herd animals and will enjoy the company of other equines. They also see their owner as part of their herd, usually as herd leader. A horse’s chewing or licking are both signs of affection and of submission to your status as leader. Spending time with your horse will cement the bond of mutual trust. When you have created this important bond it will have an overall positive effect on the horse.

Horses are naturally clean animals and it is important that they have clean stables which are warm with deep bedding provided. Providing deep bedding will help to protect your horse’s joints and legs as well as giving them a comfy and secure place to lie down.

Mealtimes are important to a horse. Be sure to feed little and often, as they will also be grazing throughout the day outside. It’s best to incorporate all appropriate foods, to keep a healthy balance. It’s essential to supply your horse with plenty of fibre, so ensure there is lots of fresh hay or grass. Another great source of fibre is grain, although too much of this could cause stomach upsets. You need to make sure there is fresh water available. Water prevents the food becoming solid by allowing it to ferment in the horse’s stomach. Routine is something a horse responds well to, so time your feeding regularity accordingly. Your horse should be fed at the same time each day.

Grooming your horse daily will show the horse that they are loved – they will enjoy extra attention from you which grooming brings. Make sure you do lots of rubbing, scratching and brushing. This is such an enjoyable part of the day for both of you. Grooming will maintain their coat and keep it glossy, smooth and free from pests. You will also need to pick your horse’s hooves daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

Exercise is vital for a horse’s happiness. A horse needs daily exercise. Vary your exercise routines to include things like jumping and cross-country. On the other hand, also let your horse have play time. Turn them out so they can be free in their paddock. Your horse may want to play with the other horses, or simply hang out with them and relax. It’s as important to allow your horse to relax as it is to exercise him, or else his behaviour may become erratic.

The above tips are just a few pieces of advice which can help you look after the physical and psychological needs of your horse. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.