Horse training facts for kids

Horse training describes what people do to get horses to do particular tasks. This includes training them to let people ride on their backs, or to pull carts and wagons. Horses have to be trained to accept a bridle or a saddle. Historically, horses were trained for transport, farm work, warfare and sport. In modern times, sport and recreation are the main reason horses are trained.

There is a lot of argument about horse training. Some ways are now thought to be cruel, and terms like horse breaking are also out of favour.

Images for kids

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  Effective communication and harmony between horse and rider are among the goals of proper training

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  Horses too young to be ridden are trained to accept a halter, taught basic skills, manners, and become accustomed to human activity. Some, like this yearling, are shown in conformation classes.

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  A young horse in Europe being longed with a surcingle and side reins

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  A young Lipizzan at the Spanish Riding School in training equipment, wearing saddle, bridle and longeing cavesson so that it may be longed prior to being ridden.

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  Discipline-specific training can take years to perfect.