Free schooling

[sophieology]

We have had our horse Ahgel for 3 weeks. We want to be able to free school her as she is over weight, and can't ride much as waiting for new saddle. Also want to build up relationship on the ground. The thing is, we are complete novices and don't know where to start with free schooling or how to do it. HELP!!

[Chukka]

I take it you have a school or enclosed area where you could do this.

This is what I did with my horse (obviously wont work for everyone). I taught him to lunge from his head collar and he got very good with voice commands.

I then let him off the lunge and for the first few minutes he would go and have a buck etc. and then I would voice control him. Just get him trotting round and a bit of canter on both sides.

Then I would stop and go up to him pat him on the shoulder and he would follow me round go over poles and small jumps.

[xloopylozzax]

its just like lunging without a lungline basically.

i messed around doing this a bit when i was supposed to be getting him warm to bath him.

i just held my arms in the triangle shape and used my voice practising halt, walk, trot, canter etc we even went over a few jumps and trotting poles.

he buggers around for the first 5 minutes (bucking, galloping at me then performing a swerve or sliding stop :rolleyes:) but then he really knuckles down.
not much to it really just working out what works for your horse.

[sophieology]

Thanks, will have fun trying it out with her!! We are getting the hang of lunging, and she does listen (although gets distracted). :rolleyes:, but she comes back when reminded.