098. Roundtable: In-Hand Trail and Longe Line

In this episode of the On The Rail podcast, we discuss horse training techniques for working with yearlings and two-year-olds. Special guests Amber Duckett, Gavin Pope, and Megan Seehafer share their expertise on prepping young horses for in-hand trail and lunge line classes, emphasizing the importance of early training and balancing it with horse welfare.

Key topics include building trust, avoiding overworking, and ensuring positive show experiences. The conversation also delves into techniques for achieving effortless control and maneuvering, maintaining proper space and positioning, and teaching body commands for effective training.

Practical tips are provided for both professional trainers and DIY amateurs, highlighting essential skills like trot turns, handling mouthiness, and performing back-through exercises to excel in trail classes. The episode underscores the significance of first impressions, correct presentation in the show pen, and setting horses up for successful competitive maneuvers.

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00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping
01:18 Meet the Guests
03:50 Diving into In-and Trail
05:05 Training Techniques and Benefits
14:01 Balancing Training and Welfare
21:17 Deciding on Show Potential
32:00 Preparing Yearlings for Shows
42:03 Exposing Yearlings to Obstacles
45:49 Critical Thinking in Horse Training
47:22 Judges' Expectations for Yearling Classes
50:00 First Impressions in the Show Ring
52:56 Tips for Handling Yearlings
01:01:52 Addressing Mouthiness in Horses
01:08:40 Navigating Poles and Back Throughs
01:15:55 Final Tips for DIY Amateurs