HORSE STUFF

 

Please note that these practice sheets are to be used as a guide only.  Please consult with your instructor or a pony club instructor for more information.

 

The exercises are to get you started and warmed up before your event.  Make sure if you need it to get someone to hold your horse while you are doing these!

 

JUMPING

Thanks to Barry Brunke for the following.  This is a great starting point for both horses and riders.

 

Start by laying five trot poles on the ground approx. 1.2m apart.

Then set some cross rails approx. 2.75m after this.

Finally, lay one pole 14/6m after the cross rails.

The idea is for the rider to ride over these poles without looking down to the ground but straight ahead.

As a horse and rider get more confidence, you can then start raising them off the ground.

The rider should be just able to feel the horses mouth through the reins (not tight).

 

 

“Jumping Position”  A great read with diagrams.  Click here to download.

 

“Riding Your First Dressage Test”  by KE McKee & CM Brody.  A great read.  Click here to download.

 

“Dressage Practice Diagrams”  Click here to download.

 

“Barrel Racing”  A great read with diagrams.  Click here to download.

 

 

AGILITY EXERCISES - HALF DISMOUNT

Raise your right leg and bring it over the horse's neck so that your foot is alongside his shoulder - stay facing forward.  With your left hand on the front of the saddle and your right hand on the back, roll onto your stomach, sliding your right leg underneath your left leg as you do so.  Straighten your arms to take your weight then swing your right leg over the horse and so end up back in the saddle.  Repeat the exercise the other way around, starting with taking your left leg over the horse's neck. 

 

 

AGILITY EXERCISES - ROUND THE WORLD

Raise your right leg and bring it over the horse's neck until you are sitting at right angles to the horse.  Swing your left leg over the horse's hindquarters and sit facing his tail.  Swing your right leg over his hindquarters until you are sitting at right angles to your horse on the off side.  Finally, raise your left leg and bring it over the horse's neck to end up back in the saddle, facing forward.  Do this again but go the opposite direction using your left leg first.

 

 

“POINTS OF THE HORSE” diagram.  Click here to download.

 

“PARTS OF THE HOOF”  diagram.  Click here to download.