Raven Gropp Vick Humphrey Training Center Even though every horse requires a different training regimen, what have you found to be a universal truth in training the Arabian hunt horse? I am only sixteen so I have limited experience in training horse’s period. What I do know, is that taking your time to put a solid foundation on your horse will help you with whatever discipline you train for. The English show hack horse is my favorite when properly trained. My show hack horse works his “winter vacation” at home doing nothing but dressage and dressage exercises. I have found this is the only effective way to get true collection and extension from your horse and not merely a speeding up and slowing down of their gaits. Besides riding, what other methods of training aid you in finishing your horses? What do these help you accomplish in the training process? In our winter months, my horses have a very intense conditioning schedule with my dressage trainer twice a week. I alternate long-lining with riding and they are also allowed to spend free time in their paddocks for a few hours each day. The time they spend out makes such a difference in the horse’s attitude. They have a couple of hours just to themselves to act like horses. Then when I ask them to perform, they are very willing to work with me, instead of against me. In today’s world of showing, how are training techniques, vet work, and the number of classes each horse is shown in affecting our horses? Are their careers longer or shorter than ever? I would like to see the horses we show in better
Raven Gropp
physical condition. Most of the horses of today show in one class per day, maybe two. They tire quickly and lose their fire way too soon. Where is the stamina and endurance this breed is known for? We all know these horses are capable of performing at their peak for more than one class when properly conditioned. For me, that’s where dressage is so instrumental. The horses achieve that upper level of conditioning by schooling a full hour at different intensities. These horses have fewer sprains and strains on their legs, more brilliance in their performance, and their show careers are generally longer due to the soundness of their bodies.
Debbie and Mark Helmick
Wildflower Farms Number of years involved with the Arabian breed: 28
Describe the mechanics of the ideal hunter frame. How do you accomplish this? We breed athletic and well-balanced horses and then rely on our trainer Sally Randle (Randle Performance Horses) to teach them the hunter frame. Even though every horse requires a different training regimen, what have you found to be a universal truth in training the Arabian hunt horse? Make sure you listen to what the horse is subtly telling you! Last year, one of our hunt horses was getting muscle sore and irritable but not lame. We tried massage and chiropractic work, but even though he was still winning, his attitude was telling us that he just was not
Debbie Helmick