525 Tynong North Road, Tynong
North, 3813, Victoria, Australia
  Horse sense gives riders the ability to understand why horses act in certain ways. Understanding this behaviour will provide insight on how to handle horses in any circumstance. Understanding this behaviour will enable you to recognise external influences and to be ready for a horse's action before they actually respond to the external influence. Although horses are large and powerful, they are easily scared and frightened by even the smallest noise. The natural reaction of a horse is to turn and run away. A cornered horse prevented from escape will often resort to kicking and/or biting. Horses are herd animals and as such there is usually a herd leader, often a dominant Mare, who will lead the herd to food and water, and between pastures and paddocks. The herd may be hesitant to move if the leader is removed from the lead position.  As horses have their eyes on the front of their heads they have excellent vision in front of and above them. Blind spots under the head, and behind mean the horse is nervous if someone approaches form behind without the horse knowing. For this reason talk softly when approaching to ensure they are aware that you are there. Don¼t forget that they may be asleep. Because of the natural reaction to run away loud noises and sudden movement should be avoided at all times. Avoid standing either directly behind or directly in front of any horse to avoid being run over or kicked. When leading your horse always turn the horse away from you. This will prevent him from standing on your feet Never hand feed horses as to a horse a finger may be mistaken for a treat such as carrots. Horses eating may be possessive of their food so stay clear. Crowding horses may also result in kicking or biting so keep at least one horse length between horses at all times.  Keep at least ONE HORSE'S DISTANCE between horses When mounting and dismounting be aware that horses may be sensitive to items over their buttock areas. When mounting do not hesitate especially with the leg over the horse¼s rump. Unusual movement on their backs may also alarm horses, therefore dismount at all times if it is necessary to adjust or remove clothing such as coats etc. Scarfs and Jumpers/Coats around the waist should not be worn when riding as these items may work loose and may become entangled in the gear or alarm the horse. Correct clothing is essential for riding, both to be professional, but also for safety. Hard hats (approved to latest specifications) should be worn at all times. Long pants, shirts with sleeves, and closed boots with a smooth sole are also required. Sneakers or runners must never be worn when riding or working around horses. All equipment should be cared for and put away properly after use. This will ensure that gear lasts for a long time, but is available when required. Equipment that may required maintenance should not be used until repaired. Buckaroo Level Parts of the Horse 
Gaits of the Horse * In Western Riding there are four (4) Gaits or Speeds of the horse. These are Walk, Jog, Lope and Gallop. The Jog is commonly known in English as the Trot while the Lope is commonly known as the Canter. Within the Jog there are three (3) divertives the Jog (Sitting Trot), the Fast Trot (Standing Trot), and the Extended Trot (Rising Trot).  WALK The Walk is 4 Beat gait at a slow easy going speed of approx 6 Km per hour. The speed is easy on the horse and is ideally suited to warming your horse up (& cooling down) before faster exercise. During walking the rider should relax his seat, legs, and hands so that the horse can relax and stretch his neck. When commencing the Walk the Horse pushes off with the Hind foot (shown as the Right/Off Side hoof in the above picture). Next is the Right Front foot, The Left Hind foot, and finally the Left Front foot. The sequence of foot fall is 4 2 3 1  JOGThe Jog is a 2 Beat gait at a steady speed of approx 9.5 Km per hour. The horse should be relaxed with their head down (not moving or bobbing). The rider should be able to sit to the jog with an even steady feel from the horse. Because of the 2 Beats the horse has a period of "Suspension" where the horse is actually of the ground. During the Extended Trot the length of stride is greater and the period of Suspension is longer. During the Jog the horse¹s diagonal legs move as a pair and strike the ground together at the same time, in an alternate pattern. The sequence of foot fall is 2 1 1 2  LOPE The Lope is a medium speed and is a 3 Beat gait at approx 15 Km per hour. During the Lope the rider should sit tall in the saddle and follow the horse's "rolling" movement. It is important to ensure that the horse Lopes on the correct Lead when working in a circle, i.e. the Left Lead when working to the left, and the Right Lead when working to the Right. This will ensure that the Horse is able to turn around the corner without stumbling or slipping. When commencing the Lope on the Left Lead the Horse strikes the ground first with the rear right foot first, then the rear left foot and the front right foot, and finally the front left foot. The period of suspension is after the completion of the 3 beats, before the commencement of the next stride. The sequence of foot fall is 3 2 2 1  GALLOP The Gallop is a fast speed with 4 Beats, and is the Horses natural "speed" gait. During the Gallop the Horse reaches/stretches out which makes the period of suspension longer. A horse ridden at the Gallop should always be under control to ensure a safe enjoyable experience. The sequence of foot fall is 4 3 2 1 Horse Terminology All riders should learn the common terms as used around horses. These include the following:-
Horse Colours
Basic Horse Sense As explained in the Ranch Hand level information on Beginning Horse sense we covered basic information on safety when around horses. The Buckaroo level information covers the way the horses react to instructions or the methods of training. This gives us the necessary understanding on why horses respond the way they do. As with all animals, an untrained horse is both unenjoyable to the rider, but dangerous to be around due to their unpredictability. However a trained horse (no matter what the level of training) will give the rider extreme satisfaction and enjoyment. Horses are by their nature scared and timid. Loud, sudden noises and/or unusual movement can make them frightened. When frightened the horse's natural reaction is to run away. However the rider's own response during these reactions by the horse can effect the horse's actions. A rider who is nervous when on a horse will find that the horse will also become nervous, tense, and uneasy this particularly applies to new riders and is if the horse can sense the rider's nervous condition. However an experienced or confident rider can bring a nervous horse back under control and calm it down by a gentle and firm control of the reins as well as soothing and calm words. Basically if you act frightened it will make him more frightened. Although horses are larger and stronger than humans are they do not realise that they can disobey and escape from us, because of their training. A horse obeys us through habit, repetition, and training. When riding any horse the rider has a responsibility to continue the "training" of the animal by using the same methods, aids, controls, and rewards/punishments. This will ensure that the horse remains under control and obedient to future rides. However using incorrect methods, cruel responses, or unrealistic expectations when riding will result in the horse becoming sour, untrained, bad mannered, and dangerous. A horse learns each segment of their training by a system of rewards and punishments. For example when we ask a horse to go forward or "walk" by using a voice command the punishment for a horse that does not obey is a pressure by the rider¹s legs. Likewise the reward for the correct response is a relaxation of any rein or leg, or voice pressure by the rider. As the horse's attention span is approximately 3 seconds any "reward" or "punishment" must be given within that 3 seconds following compliance to a request or the horse disobeying a command. "Rewards" can be a release from the pressure from a rider's legs/hands, etc, or it can be a break from work, a soothing/calm voice, or a food treat. "Punishments" can be a harsh/stronger voice, additional rein/leg pressure, spur pressure, or a prevention of the horse being able to do what he wants to do. All Rewards and Punishments must fit the situation and the horse's training level. Be careful that a horse is not rewarded for doing something wrong. This includes being "rewarded" with eating grass when he has jerked the reins from a rider's hands. All riders must be careful not to be cruel to the horse by deliberately hurting or abusing the horse, or by unsafe or dangerous riding actions. Such riding on the horses at Mill Valley Ranch will not be tolerated and will result in permanent loss of riding privileges. At all times the horse must be focused on, and be listening to his rider. This will enable the horse to respond to the signals given. Horses displaying angry gestures to other horses while being ridden should be punished by a stern voice and removal from the location (away from the other horse in question) immediately. A rider must ensure that all commands and aids should be the smallest and lightest required to make the horse respond to signals. Only resort to additional or stronger commands if the horse does not respond. Never assume that just because the last horse ridden required a certain harder command and pressure that the next horse will require the same level of pressure and control. This type of riding may result in a horse acting uncontrollable due to the "harsh" level of signals given. At all times the order of commands to a horse is to be: - ASK - Use a voice command. TELL - If the horse does not respond use a clearer command including a stronger voice command (to ensure the horse listens and is not asleep), along with a mild leg/rein/weight pressure. COMMAND Use a strong signal to ensure that the horse responds. These may include a sharp kick, and/or a firm rein pressure. Remember to release the pressure when the horse responds. |
