Have you ever begun following a recipe and it’s all going great, until… You realize that you are missing an ingredient. And whether it is an absolutely key ingredient or a more ‘supporting’ ingredient, it matters.
Because at the end of the process, what you’ve made is not exactly what you had in mind when you began…
Training your horse at home can sometimes feel like this. You get a few days or weeks into it, only to find your momentum grinds to a halt when you don’t have access to a key piece of equipment.
Today, I want to help you identify what you will need (the basics) to get started and what you might like to add further down the line. After all, the equipment when training your horse is almost as important as the plan.
The Key Pieces of Equipment
As mentioned, I am really focusing on the absolutely essential equipment when training your horse today. There are many ways we could go with this, but I am going to assume that you are working towards training your horse correctly and as a ‘riding horse’. Meaning that your horse is an allrounder that you can then decide to dedicate more time to pursuing a specific discipline if you want to.
So, in my experience, these key elements are essential:-
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40m x 20m flat (ish) space to work in
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A boundary for that space
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Markers (such as dressage letters)
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Access to a safe riding trail or field to ride in
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4 to 6 (or more) poles
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4 to 6 uprights or ‘blocks’ to raise the poles off the ground
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Sheltered, safe, and quiet place to tack up/groom, etc.
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Good fitting and suitable saddle and bridle
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Lunging rope and lunging whip
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Helmet, gloves, and (ideally) body protector
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I want to divide these into two categories and go into a little more detail. As you can probably see, the first 7 items on the list have to do with ‘where’ you will ride. The second 3 are actual things you can use on yourself and your horse.
“Riding Area Equipment”
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40m x 20m flat (ish) space to work in
I’m going to start here with the most obvious item on the list; a flat space to work in. Now, to be fair, a 20m x 20 m space will also work initially. However, as you begin to ‘do more’ with your horse, you will require a larger area. And, personally speaking, anything smaller than 20m x 40m is almost a little too restrictive and small. A ‘good sized’ flat space with good footing is definitely part of the essential equipment when training your horse!
This space does not have to be an actual arena. A flattish area in a field is also suitable. However, this can become a little ‘muddy’ or ‘hard’ during different seasons. But, if you need to get started, it will work. It’s what I personally had access to as a little person, and while not perfect, it did the job🙂
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A boundary for that space
Many riders overlook this aspect of their space. Is a solid railing or tape line even considered a piece of equipment when training your horse? Yes, oh yes, it is! Especially if they are working in an open field or a very large open arena. But remember, the boundary of the area you are riding and working your horse in is an artificial aid. It will help you to reinforce your aids (particularly the outside ones initially) and help with accuracy.
If you are riding in a field, invest in a roll of white 40mm ‘horse tape’ and as many ‘stakes’ for that tape as you need. This way you can erect and dismantle your ‘arena’ easily when necessary. It will also allow you to move it if the ground becomes unsuitable for riding.
If you are riding in a very large arena, you can either use the same tape or you can use poles and uprights to demarcate a smaller riding space. Again, this is not a permanent ‘arena’; you will be riding in a larger space soon and then the poles or tape can be moved.
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Markers (such as dressage letters)
Whether or not you want to learn true dressage, having the markers is really handy when training your horse. I simply message the dressage letters because they are easy to obtain or to make if necessary.
If you do want to make your own, find 8 bucket lids and simply paint one of the letters A,K,E,H,C,M,B,F onto each lid. Then cable tie, nail, or screw the bucket lids to a pole or something suitable where the markers should be. The measurement of the markers is important.
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Access to a safe riding trail or field to ride in
Riders and horses who only work in one space all of the time tend to become sour. They also don’t learn to increase both their confidence and their trust in each other. This is why I feel it is important to have access to an alternative riding area that you can use for simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company – or training!
A horse trail or quiet country lane is perfect. An open field will also suffice if the footing is safe and suitable. The more safe riding areas you have access to, the more options you have when it comes to equipment when training your horse.
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4 to 6 (or more) poles
I do think that a few poles are ‘essential’ equipment when training your horse. Especially when you are serious about the work being done. They are for going over, going through, on the ground, and raising them up as well.
They do not have to be fancy or 14′ in length. In fact, shorter ‘thicker’ poles will help encourage more accuracy🙂
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4 to 6 uprights or ‘blocks’ to raise the poles off the ground
Okay, so the poles are great. And I am a firm believer in the power of a great groundpole exercise. But being able to raise the poles is also great and can add a whole new perspective to your training exercises. And the ‘blocks’ do not have to be fancy. Tyres or short logs will work if you don’t have anything else initially!
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Sheltered, safe, and quiet place to tack up/groom, etc.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to prepare to ride and being at the mercy of the elements! It tends to start the whole ride off on the wrong foot. I believe that the tone for each conversation or ride is established during the preparation phase, so it makes sense to create a space where you can enjoy and relax with your horse.
It does not have to be fancy. However, once you have your space, maybe look at upgrading it each month. Things should be easy to reach, on hand, and easy to use. And, again, comfortable for you and your horse.
“Horse & Rider Equipment”
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Good fitting and suitable saddle and bridle
This one goes without saying. If the tack you are using is not right for your horse, it will negatively impact your training. Many horses simply ‘inherit’ tack from other horses. Or they get sold on with a set of tack that is never questioned.
Make sure you regularly fit your tack, especially when training as your horse may change shape. And, also, make sure you regularly assess if the equipment (bits and nosebands especially) is the right one for the job at hand.
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Lunging rope and lunging whip
Both are necessary for working your horse correctly while on the lunge. The lunge line is to help provide ‘contact’. Not to ‘steer’ the horse or keep him on a circle. The lunging whip is to ‘back up’ your natural driving aids. Not to ‘whip’ the horse.
Used correctly, they really help your horse to understand your aids as they add clarity.
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Helmet, gloves, and (ideally) body protector
Okay, the helmet goes without saying. The gloves, I feel, are important. Especially for lunging and some groundwork. And the body protector… I realize many riders are against wearing one. But remember, if you are training your horse alone, you will probably be alone for a lot of the training! Anything that can help prevent further risk to you or your horse is a win. And a body protector falls into this category. I feel it is well worth the investment.
So there you have it. A list of things that I believe you will need when you begin working and training your own horse. By getting a few basics in place, you will be able to create more consistency and momentum in your training.
And when you couple this with good, correct training – well it’s a winning formula.
Happy Riding
Lorna
Seeking Founding Riders…
If you are considering training your horse at home or alone (boarding at a barn, but don’t have a regular coach or trainer), make sure you check out the details of my upcoming brand-new program.
I’m looking for a limited number of riders to work in-depth with me and my team as we go through this program for the first time. Get on the waitlist to be the first to find out all of the information… We start in early September. Join the Waitlist HERE (no obligation to join the program, just be the first to know all of the details :) )
