Keep it Simple

Starting the new year with a new green horse? Keep your directions simple and easy to understand. Start with ground work in the round pen. All you need is a halter, lead line and longe whip. A whip of approximately 6 - 8 feet is ideal.

Enter the round pen (preferred size here is 60' diameter). Remove the lead line. Direct your energy to the horse's hind quarters and have her move out. No response? Tap with the whip once on her hind quarters. Tap more firmly if she does not respond. Once she moves out relax your body language but keep your focus on her hind quarters.

That's all you need to do for your first session in the round pen. Tell her she's a good girl and end the session on a positive note.