LV EN RU DE FR

Basic Training of Horse and Rider

Course developer

Replaced course

LaukB007 [GDZLB002] Basic Training of Horse and Rider

Course abstract

Students are acquainted with the principles and training scale of the rider, separately examining the seat of the rider, significance of it and basic aids. Attention is paid on the biomechanics of the movement, learning abilities, training principles, training scale and methods of the horse. Students learn to use safety principles when handling the horse, acquire skills to choose and adjust correct equipment.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge in horse learning theory and basics of biomechanics, as well as of horse training principles and training scale, including initial training of the foal and young horse, basic training of the horse under saddle on flat, on cavaletti, over fences and cross country. Understanding of the training principles of rider, and the significance of the correct seat in horse riding and training (successfully passed tests).
Students acquire skills to apply safety rules when handling horses; to choose and adjust correct horse training equipment, taking into account various conditions including conformation of the horse; to develop correct seat on the horse, to see, analyse and correct the main faults, as well as to use basic aids on horse according the task and situation. (skill development in practical works)
Finishing the study course, student is competent to use acquired knowledge and skills of horse and rider basic training in further practical work.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Introduction to basic training of the rider, factors influencing it. Training scale of the rider.
2. Seat of the rider, its significance, types and uses. Characteristics of the human musculoskeletal system, individual differences. Position of the rider on the horse, coordination of the movement of the body with movement of the horse.
3. Most frequent seat problems, causes and solutions.
4. Aids of the rider, their interaction and application.
1st test: Importance of the seat of the rider, characterization of seat types, the application of the aids of the rider in accordance of desirable response of the horse.
5. Introduction to basic training of the horse. Horse training objectives. Classical horse training system, horse training scale.
6. Horse safety rules. Proper horse care and preparation for training session.
7. Nature of horses. Horse's senses, typical behaviour. Types of social organization. Communication between horses, the meaning of the body language, recognition of the main characteristics of different emotional states.
8. Horse learning theory. Learning process, influencing factors. Types of learning: associative (operant and classical) and non-associative learning. Practical application of the learning theory in horse training.
9. Basics of horse biomechanics. Characteristics of the horse musculoskeletal system and mobility. Flexor and extensor muscle chains and their importance in biomechanically correct posture and movement of the horse.
10. Choice of proper horse training equipment, taking into account the conformation of the horse.
2nd test: Horse training goals and objectives. Nature of the horse. Practical application of horse learning theory. Characterization of biomechanically correct position and movement of the horse.
11. Initial training of the foal.
12. Basic training of the young horse. Habituation to training equipment and environment. Groundwork: work-in-hand, lunging, free jumping. Breaking of the horse.
13. Training of the horse under saddle.
14. Training of the horse over cavaletti.
15. Training of the horse over obstacles.
16. Cross-country training of the horse
3rd test: Basic training principles of the foal and horse. Methods and exercises for development of the horse's physical abilities.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successfully passed tests on themes learned in lectures and practical works.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independent literature studies on lecture and practical work themes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final assessment of learning outcomes is based on average result of the tests.

Compulsory reading

1. Von Dietze S. (2010) Balance in movement: How to achieve perfect seat. London: J.A.Allen. 224 p.
2. Klimke. R (2000) Basic Training of the Young Horse. – The Lyons Press. – 144 p.
3. McGreevy P., McLean A. (2010) Equitation Science. Chichester: Wiley – Blackwell, 314 p.
4. The Principles of Riding (2005) German National Equestrian Federation – Buchingham: Kenilworth Press. 192 p.

Further reading

1. The Horse (1997) / ed. Evans J. W. etc., New York: W. H. Freeman. 844 p.
2. Higgins G., Martin S. (2009) How Your Horse Moves: A unique visual guide to improving performance. David & Charles, 160 p.

Notes

Optional study course for students of Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.