Why and How to Train with Obstacles

The obstacle is not the main point of obstacle training. Many times, when people see a bridge, they think going over the bridge is the main point. On the contrary, the goal is to actually create a trusting equine that stays centered and maintains a steady speed, not just walking over the bridge. 

Obstacles are for humans, not just for horses. 

Obstacles allow us to create learning environments for the horsemanship skills we are building. Ten times out of ten, you need to get out of your own head. Obstacle training allows you to focus on something you can physically see, helping you work on trust and cooperation. It’s the foundation of building a relationship between you and your horse. I don’t want a robot. Fairness and communication are the top priorities of the relationship I want with my equine. Obstacles foster that relationship. 

As the owner of a trail riding facility, I often see people go into an open arena and don’t do anything but run around in a circle on the rail. In reality, there are thousands of drills that can be done in an open arena. 

As soon as I place an obstacle in the arena, they use it.  An obstacle gives you a goal. 

Dos and Don’ts of Obstacle Training 

1. Reward the try: (Be fair to the equine) Do not make the equine keep doing the same obstacle over and over when they’ve been compliant. What is their reward? Sometimes, getting close to the obstacle and remaining calm is where you need to stop for the day. You need to realize that completion isn't always the objective. It’s about building a better relationship with your equine and the future horse you want. Rome wasn’t built in a day, sister. 

2. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast: You’re not Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Do the obstacles slow and gradually increase speed. A perfected slow is way better than a sloppy fast. Don’t go too fast, too soon. 

3. Use quality obstacles: These animals trust us way more than they should. Don’t ask them to step on something that could break through, and they can’t get away from it. The worst case is they get injured or have to be put down because you used cheap or worn-out obstacles. For example, the kiddie pools can get stuck on their foot if your horse steps through the pool. Then they feel attacked and cannot get away from it. Check out Building Equine Obstacles by David Von Holten on page 41. 

4. Be a good leader: Remember, you are a predator, and your horse is prey. When you look at something, your weight distribution changes. If an obstacle scares you or gets your attention, then it most definitely will scare your animal and get their attention x10. Could you imagine going into war and your commander says, “Holy crap, I’m scared! We’re going to lose!”? You want a commander that says, “Buckle up, buttercup! Let’s go!”

5. Set realistic goals: (Be fair to the equine) Are you proficient in trig that you did in high school or college? If you aren’t consistently riding your horse, you need to make a goal for the horse you have that day. Not the horse they were when you were riding them more often. Remember, they have bad days too. 

There are competition associations that focus on obstacles. As a facility owner, I’ve seen people put the competition before the horse. Do not ride injured or lame horses. It’d be a cold day in hell before I’d let someone compete at our facility on an injured horse. 

On a personal note, I've gone too fast, too soon with a horse and focused only on obstacles rather than my overall horsemanship.

I have seen people use obstacles as their primary activity. Some use obstacles to train young horses, introduce them to the world, and build a trusting relationship. I have seen people from other disciplines (ex., team ropers, dressage, reining) use obstacles to round out their equine so they don’t get sour. 

The cowboy way of life is made safer through the proper use of obstacles. Most of us don’t use our horse as our primary source of transportation. We aren’t in the saddle as much as we used to be. Obstacles allow us to prolong our years in the saddle by building a relationship that keeps us safe and centered in the middle of the saddle.