The term “breaking” has long been associated with the training of horses, despite causing potential misunderstandings about the nature of this process. Throughout history, horses have been subjected to brutal techniques and restrictive tackle to break their spirit. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that more humane methods of breaking horses have existed since as early as 400 BC, originating with the Greek cavalry.
Amid the turmoil of the Dark Ages, these compassionate practices became neglected, only to resurface in France during the 18th century. Even in modern times, some horsemen continue to employ forceful techniques derived from conservative traditions. However, it has become clear that these methods do not yield the most favorable results.
A Kinder Approach to Horse Training
Nowadays, breaking a horse should focus on establishing trust and helping the animal become accustomed to human contact, its surroundings, and various circumstances. Training should emphasize creating a foundation of mutual trust, akin to the relationship between children and their guardians.
The primary goals of schooling a horse include teaching it to accept the basic rules of discipline, becoming comfortable around people, and preparing it for carrying riders both physically and mentally.
Modern Horse Tack and Equipment
Current horse training trends showcase the shift toward humane methods by reducing the amount of equipment used on young horses. The minimal tack used must be appropriately sized, high-quality, and made of proper materials to ensure the comfort and safety of the animals. By taking a more considerate approach to training, horses and their handlers can develop a mutually respectful relationship that results in better outcomes.
The Essential Cavesson Headcollar
The cavesson headcollar holds a crucial role in the initial handling and training stages of a young horse’s life, especially when lunging is introduced. This distinct headpiece is simple in its design yet robustly constructed, featuring a low-fitting noseband integral to its functionality.
Detailed Features of the Cavesson Headcollar
The noseband on the cavesson headcollar is not only padded for the horse’s comfort, but also strengthened with a hinged steel band. This band carries an attachment point, commonly in the form of a ring, to which a leading-rein or lunge-rein can be fixed.
Effective cavesson construction requires solid, high-quality leather to guarantee the headcollar’s overall strength. This aspect is absolutely vital; as the headcollar must hold its ground in any situation, whether it’s a playful tussle or sudden panic from the horse.
Strategic Placement for Better Control
The uniquely low fitting of the reinforced noseband on a cavesson serves a strategic purpose, handing the handler increased leverage in emergency cases. This benefit has led many trainers to fit the cavesson noseband in the style of a drop noseband when using a snaffle bit.
The cavesson’s back-strap should be adjusted to secure the headcollar tightly. This practice restricts the cheek-pieces from slipping forward, thus preventing any possible hindrance near the horse’s eye, especially on the side farthest from the trainer. By understanding the structure and functionality of a cavesson headcollar, trainers can make the most of this valuable piece of tack in training young horses.
The Versatile Cavesson in Horse Training
In various stages of training young horses, the cavesson proves to be a preferred and essential piece of equipment. When leading a horse outside the stable, the cavesson reduces the risk of injury by preventing damage to the mouth. It is a versatile headcollar optimized for training tasks such as lunging and long-reining.
Cavesson Benefits: Leading and Lunging
Using a cavesson headcollar instead of a snaffle or other bitted bridles prevents unnecessary strain on the horse’s mouth. Even during advanced training, when the horse is led from the stable to its work area, it is advisable to fit a cavesson over the snaffle bridle. Lunging and long-reining should always involve the use of a cavesson rather than other headcollars to ensure the horse’s comfort and safety.
A Popular Modern Cavesson: The Orssich Pattern
The Orssich pattern cavesson is a favored contemporary design among horse trainers. Its sturdy construction features a projecting ring mounted on a swivel in front of the nose for convenience in lunging or leading. Additionally, driving rings are positioned on both sides of the reinforced noseband for added flexibility in training exercises.
Some variations of cavesson headcollars also include a strap connecting the noseband to the headpiece. This straps serves to prevent the noseband from slipping lower than its intended position, maintaining the overall functionality and effectiveness of the cavesson during training sessions.
The Role of Rollers in Horse Training
Rollers are specialized straps used in various breaking exercises for young horses, such as lunging and long-reining. Wrapping around the horse’s girth, they give the animal the feeling of a saddle and come equipped with essential attachments, like brass D-rings and buckles, for added convenience during training sessions.
Specialist Rollers for Long-Reining
While undoubtedly pricier, specialist rollers are considered near-essential for efficient long-reining training. These rollers are specifically designed to handle the unique demands of breaking a horse, ensuring high-performance and durability throughout the training process.
Alternative Stable Rollers for Single-Rein Lungeing
As single-rein lungeing for ground work with young horses has become more commonplace, some trainers opt for more affordable strong stable rollers instead of specialist varieties. These rollers should still come equipped with two or three D-rings on each side of the front edge to attach the side-reins, ensuring a safe and efficient training experience.
Although less common, some trainers might find it necessary to include a single D-ring at the back of the roller to enable the use of a crupper. By evaluating their specific needs and training techniques, horse trainers can select the most appropriate roller type to maximize training efficiency and effectiveness.
Saddle Use in Lungeing: An Alternative Approach
While typically a roller is employed for lungeing, using a saddle is also a viable and acceptable method. This approach does have its challenges, most notably in stabilizing the setting of the side-reins, but can also provide benefits in preparing a young horse for riding.
Stabilizing Side-Reins with a Saddle
When using a saddle in place of a roller, the side-reins have to be threaded through the girth straps. This task can be more challenging due to the saddle’s construction, which isn’t naturally designed for convenient side-rein attachment.
The Usefulness of Rollers
Despite these challenges, a roller remains a convenient and efficient tool for lungeing. Whether due to aesthetic or practical reasons, many trainers prefer the easy-to-use nature of rollers during this commonly performed horse training exercise.
Transitioning to a Saddle
However, there’s a period leading up to the first backing of a young horse where using a saddle for lungeing can be highly beneficial. It fosters familiarity with the feel of a saddle, easing the transition for young horses and enabling a smoother initiation into riding.
Understanding the Use of Bridles and Bits in Breaking
In the world of horse training, the right bridle and bit combination is instrumental. Despite there being no specialized bridles for breaking, specific strategies can enhance the horse’s training experience. The essence is to keep it simple and comfortable for the horse.
Snaffle Bridle and Cavesson Headcollar
During the lunging phase of training, a plain snaffle bridle adorned under a cavesson headcollar is the preferred setup. Once the horse is ready for backing and begins mounted work, the cavesson can be removed. The plain snaffle bridle, worn alone, should remain in use for a minimum of six months of mounted training.
A Simplified Snaffle for Comfort
When using a bridle under a cavesson, it’s advisable to keep the configuration simple. Consider attaching the snaffle bit to a leather headpiece and cheekpieces only, leaving out the browband, noseband, throatlatch, and reins. This simplified setup avoids unnecessary clutter on the young horse’s head and consequently reduces cleaning time for the trainer.
Choosing the Right Bit
In the early stages of training, a simple snaffle bit is the best choice, as other bits, including those with keys, can be harmful. Regardless of whether the horse is lunging or mounted, the mouthpiece should be thick and round, especially towards the outer ends, making it less aggressive and painful on the horse’s mouth bars. This approach encourages comfort and effective training from the get-go.
Utilizing Side-Reins in the Lungeing Phase
Side-reins play a vital role in the lungeing phase of a horse’s training, providing the necessary stability and connection between the trainer and the animal. Knowing when, how, and why to use side-reins can greatly enhance the efficiency of the lungeing process.
Introducing Side-Reins after the First Few Days
Side-reins should be incorporated in the lungeing phase soon after the initial sessions, typically after the first one or two days. This timing allows the horse to become accustomed to the process before introducing the additional structure and control provided by the side-reins.
Adjustability and Attachment
Made of leather, side-reins are adjustable in length to fit a variety of horse sizes and training needs, featuring a buckle in the middle or at the roller end for easy adjustments. To secure the side-reins, a buckle is used to attach them to the roller or saddle. Meanwhile, an easy-release clip connects the opposite end to the snaffle bit, ensuring a firm yet comfortable connection for the horse.
By making use of side-reins throughout the lungeing phase, except during the initial days, trainers can facilitate effective communication, provide a sense of stability, and develop a trusting relationship between themselves and their young horses.
The Fivefold Purpose of Side-Reins in Horse Training
Side-reins serve multiple purposes in the lungeing phase of horse training. They provide disciplined guidance, accustom the horse to future equipment interactions, prevent poor habits, promote active engagement, and offer trainers control over the horse’s physical frame.
Instilling Mild Discipline
One primary use of side-reins is to help instill a mild degree of discipline in the horse by limiting excessive head movement and distraction. This restraint prevents the horse from looking around, thereby encouraging focus on the task at hand.
Familiarizing with Rein Control
Side-reins introduce the horse to a form of passive control. As they are attached to the bit and the pressure isn’t exerted unless the horse pulls against them, the animal learns to associate freedom of movement with their appropriate behavior.
Preventing Excessive Bit Movement
Another key function of side-reins is that they prevent the bit from moving excessively in the horse’s mouth. This control mitigates the chances of the horse developing a habit of playing with the bit, which can be detrimental to effective rein communication in the future.
Encouraging Active Engagement with the Bit
As part of the horse’s training, side-reins encourage the animal to stretch its neck and seek contact with the bit during work. This proactiveness supports a healthy trainer-horse dynamic and prepares the horse for future training stages.
Adjusting the Horse’s Physical Frame
Finally, side-reins offer trainers the ability to adjust the length of the horse’s working frame. This action allows the trainer to outline specific postural boundaries within which the horse needs to operate, presenting an adaptable approach to training.
Mastering the Use of Side-Reins in Horse Training
A key to effective horse training lies in the proper use of equipment, and side-reins are no exception. Made from plain leather, side-reins provide a passive form of control that can be adapted to the horse’s specific needs, contributing to a comfortable and effective training environment.
The Passive Nature of Side-Reins
Side-reins are meant to gently guide a horse withoutrestricting its movements excessively. These tools, inherently passive and lacking harshness, allow the horse to adjust comfortably to the set length. However, it’s important for the trainer to ensure that the side-reins are never fitted so short that they limit the horse’s freedom of motion.
Adjusting Side-Reins According to the Horse’s Posture
Different horses present different posture habits, and side-reins can be adjusted accordingly. For instance, if a horse has a tendency to carry its head too high, restricting the action of the back and loins, the side-reins should be fixed more or less horizontally to the roller or saddle.
On the contrary, when the horse consistently carries its head too low, causing unnecessary weight on the forehand, the side-reins can be positioned higher on the roller.
Encouraging Stretch and Collection
To encourage a horse to stretch, the side-reins should be made longer. However, to promote collection, or the process of a horse drawing its body together in a controlled manner, they should be shortened. Optimal fitting exists within these two limits: side-reins are too long if the horse can’t reach far enough to make contact, and they are too short if they inhibit the movement of the horse’s back and neck. The key lies in adjusting the side-reins as per the horse’s immediate training requirements.
Understanding the Use of Lunge-Reins in Horse Training
Lunge-reins are a fundamental tool in equine training, facilitating a structured and controlled environment for working through a horse’s movement on a circular path. Understanding the purpose, proper use, and specifications of this equipment is vital for effective training sessions.
Defining Lungeing
Lungeing involves training a horse to move in a circular pattern using a single, long rein. This rein is typically attached to the front ring on the noseband of a cavesson, a type of horse headgear. By utilizing a buckle fastening that permits rotation, the rein provides freedom for the horse’s movements. The opposite end of the rein is held by the trainer, who remains stationary at the center of the circular training path.
Attributes of a Lunge-Rein
A lunge-rein should be constructed from webbing or cord material, with a focus on being as lightweight as possible while also maintaining strength and resistance to decay. The ideal length of the lunge-rein falls between 7 and 10 meters (23 to 33 feet), although shorter versions can also be found.
The trainer’s end of the rein should feature a loop for easy handling. A useful detail often found on lunge-reins is a color marking at 1-meter (3-foot) intervals from the buckle end. These markings provide quick visual feedback on the size of the circle within which the horse is working.
Directions for Holding the Lunge-Rein
The side where the trainer holds the lunge-rein depends on the direction the horse is circling. Specifically, when the horse is circling to the left (or counter-clockwise), the trainer will hold the rein in their left hand. Conversely, if the horse is circling to the right, the rein is held in the right hand. Mastering this simple rule can contribute greatly to a smooth training experience.
Proper Use of Lunge-Whips in Horse Training
Lunge-whips are indispensable tools in horse training, used to motivate the horse to move with more vigor and maintain a proper track on the training circle. Let’s delve into the details about the necessity, implementation, and attributes of an efficient lunge-whip.
The Function of Lunge-Whips
At its core, a lunge-whip serves to urge the horse to move with more energy than it might otherwise offer. This characteristic mirrors the role of a rider’s legs in the later stages of mounted training. Additionally, a lunge-whip is used to discourage the horse from narrowing the circle, ensuring its adherence to the designated pathway as per the trainer’s direction.
The Importance of a Long Lunge-Whip
The effectiveness of a lunge-whip greatly depends on its length. For a lunge-whip to fulfill its purpose, it should be long enough to touch the horse with the lash. A whip might lose its efficacy if the horse realizes it cannot be reached by it. Hence, the whip’s length should be as long as the radius of the largest circle the trainer primarily uses for training sessions.
Maintaining a Harm-Free Use of Lunge-Whips
Contrary to misconceptions, a lunge-whip is never meant to strike or frighten the horse. The trainer’s foremost priority should be to assure the horse that the whip poses no threat. It should come across as a friend, not an enemy. Only under this trustful atmosphere can the horse display a calm yet diligent response to the whip’s cues.
The Balance and Weight of Lunge-Whips
For a trainer to use a lunge-whip effectively, the whip must be well balanced. This balance allows the trainer to exhibit precision in his actions, much like a dry-fly fisherman handling his rod and fly.
However, the majority of lunge-whips available in the market, despite being light and well balanced, are often too short. These can be easily modified by adding an extension to the lash; a simple length of a nylon cord, about 6 mm (4 in.) thick, will suffice for this purpose.
Long-Reining
Long-reining, a once-popular horse-training method, involves working a young horse through various movements using two long reins, each equivalent to a lunge-rein. While it has its advantages, some trainers have transitioned away from it, favoring other methods.
Fundamental Aspects of Long-Reining
When long-reining a young horse, the trainer maneuvers it along circles, curves, or straight lines through the use of two long-reins. These reins are typically attached to the side-reins on a cavesson’s noseband and looped back to the trainer’s hands. This loop-back can either involve channels like D-rings attached to a roller or can be direct, specifically in the case of the inside rein. It’s worth noting that some trainers opt to attach the long-reins to the bit or to a regular cavesson noseband situated beneath a snaffle bridle.
Popularity and Opinions on Long-Reining
Long-reining was a widely adopted practice and provides certain benefits. For instance, it allows an adult to advance a pony’s training without the need for a child to mount. However, many modern, experienced trainers now view the practice as mostly unnecessary. They also perceive it as somewhat challenging to execute and potentially harmful, preferring to school the horse either on the lunge or when mounted.
This opinion is shared by the directorate of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and by almost all successful trainers of proficient dressage horses. Interestingly, at the Spanish Riding School, long-reins are reserved solely for displaying with older, fully trained horses.
Importance of Protection During Training
Regardless of the method adopted, it is crucial always to provide protective wear on a horse’s legs during training. Boots or bandages should be fitted on the forelegs, and if required, on the hindlegs as well during lungeing. Both types of protection should cover the fetlock joint, the ankle-equivalent in horses.
This safety measure is particularly necessary for young horses. These animals, often weak and uncoordinated, are highly susceptible to knock themselves when working continuously on a circle or when being spirited at the end of a lunge-rein.
Importance of Ground Facilities in Horse Lungeing
Integral to horse lungeing is the possession of good-quality, all-weather ground facilities. These facilities must endure the varying conditions and the regular lungeing activities, thus playing a crucial part in planning a horse’s training program.
The Role of Ground Facilities
High-quality, weather-resistant ground facilities form a vital element of the equipment required for lungeing a horse. Lungeing on grass is practical mainly in summertime or on land with exceptional drainage characteristics, especially those of sand or gravel nature.
However, repeated circling on the same spot can lead to “poaching” of the ground, which refers to the rapid degradation of surface quality due to overuse. This could hinder the horse’s ability to work effectively. More importantly, the horse is more susceptible to injuries such as knocks and sprains because of the uneven ground, thereby further spoiling the land for a considerable duration.
Ground Facilities and Intensive Lungeing
Intense lungeing is typical during the ‘breaking’ phase, which could last up to three months for each horse, and continues intermittently thereafter. This calls for the ground facilities to withstand this heavy, frequent usage.
Therefore, these ground facilities should not be overlooked when crafting the training program for a horse. The state and maintenance of these ground facilities indeed play a significant role in ensuring efficient and safe lungeing sessions.
Common FAQs on Horse Schooling and Breaking Tack
Q: What types of bridles are suitable for breaking and schooling horses?
A: When breaking and schooling horses, it’s common to use a snaffle bridle, which is relatively gentle and allows for direct communication between the trainer and the horse. Some trainers also choose to use a bitless bridle or a cavesson for early training stages as these options can be less invasive and provide greater comfort for the horse.
Q: Are there any specific saddle types for breaking horses?
A: Most trainers use a general purpose or dressage saddle while breaking and schooling horses. These types of saddles provide a comfortable fit for both the horse and rider while allowing enough freedom for the horse’s movement and balance during the learning process. Adjusting and ensuring proper saddle fit is crucial to avoid discomfort or injury to the horse.
Q: What type of girth should I use during schooling sessions?
A: A well-fitted, cushioned girth made of breathable and durable material, such as neoprene or synthetic fleece, is essential for a horse’s comfort during schooling sessions. The girth should be snug enough to keep the saddle in place but not too tight to cause discomfort or restrict the horse’s movement. Checking for even pressure and no pinching along the girth area is important to avoid irritation.
Q: Is it necessary to use leg protection during training and breaking?
A: Leg protection, such as boots or bandages, is vital for preventing potential injuries caused by knocks and strains during training and breaking sessions. They offer support and absorb impact to minimize the risk of tendon damage or bruising. The type of protection needed varies depending on the activity, but the use of boots or bandages, particularly on the forelegs, is generally recommended.
Q: When should a martingale or a breastplate be used during schooling and breaking?
A: A martingale, used to control a horse’s head carriage and prevent it from raising too high, or a breastplate, designed to keep the saddle from sliding back, can be introduced once the horse has become more accustomed to the basic equipment and handling during schooling and breaking sessions. Always introduce new tack gradually and with caution, ensuring that the horse remains comfortable and is not overwhelmed by the addition of new equipment.
Q: How often should I check and clean tack during the horse schooling and breaking process?
A: Regular inspection and cleaning of the tack is essential to guarantee its longevity, maintain optimal functionality, and ensure the horse’s comfort and safety. It is recommended to check tack for signs of wear and tear and proper fit before and after each training session. Cleaning and conditioning leather tack should be done at least once a week, while more frequent maintenance might be needed for synthetic material.
Q: What is the significance of using a roller during the breaking and schooling process?
A: A roller, also known as a surcingle, is a piece of equipment designed to help introduce a horse to the feeling of wearing tack without the full load of a saddle. The roller provides a secure attachment point for side reins, long reins, or other lunging equipment during groundwork sessions. It aids in accustoming the horse to various forms of pressure and gear, gradually preparing it for the transition to a saddle.
Q: Are there specific types of reins I should use while schooling and breaking my horse?
A: For initial schooling and breaking sessions, it is common to use either regular or lunge reins. Regular reins provide direct communication between the rider and the horse and help maintain control. Lunge reins, which are longer than regular reins, are used during groundwork sessions, allowing the horse to move freely in a circle around the trainer. As you progress, you might also use side reins or draw reins for specific training purposes, such as developing proper head carriage and encouraging self-carriage.
Q: Should I use a whip or a crop during schooling and breaking?
A: Whips or crops might be used as communication tools during horse schooling and breaking, serving as an extension of the handler’s or rider’s arm. However, they should be used with great skill and never as a tool for punishment. Instead, they can be used gently to cue the horse or reinforce commands when needed, helping the horse understand what is being asked of it.
Q: What’s the purpose of a cavesson during the horse breaking process?
A: A cavesson is a type of noseband used primarily during the breaking process and while lungeing. It has a metal noseband designed to gently control the horse’s movement. Cavessons are often equipped with rings that provide attachment points for reins, enabling different setups depending on the training goals. They help in building a smooth communication line with the horse without using a bit, which makes it very handy for beginners and sensitive horses.
Q: How do I determine the fitting size for my horse’s tack?
A: Properly fitting tack is crucial for your horse’s comfort and safety during schooling and breaking. Each piece of tack, whether it’s a saddle, bridle, or boot, will have specific measuring guidelines, often provided by the manufacturer. In general, the tack should fit snugly but not too tight, and the horse should not show any signs of discomfort. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to get the guidance of an experienced equestrian or a professional saddle fitter.
Q: Are there any safety considerations when selecting tack for breaking and schooling?
A: Yes, safety is paramount when choosing tack for breaking and schooling horses. Ensure that all equipment is in good condition, free from sharp edges, or loose fittings that could potentially harm the horse. Always monitor the horse’s response when introducing new tack. If the horse shows signs of discomfort or distress, it may indicate that the tack is not fitted correctly or is causing irritation. It’s recommended to continuously revisit your safety protocols and practices to prevent accidents and injuries.
