A simple start
Start by gently laying the whip on a horse, teaching him to stand still when it’s on and to move as required when it’s taken off. For more energy in his movement, the whip is lightly tapped on the horse’s side or quarters. Twinned with a vocal command, or a click, the horse soon learns what’s required of him. Be clear in your commands and actions so he understands. The following exercise, working on the horse’s left side, is the basis for groundwork, as this will be used through the rest of this in-hand work, which is good for suppling your horse and improving his coordination. Be sure to work on both his sides equally. Stand next to your horse so you are just in front of his eye and he can see what you’re doing. Gently stroke the whip over his body, talking soothingly as you do so. Then: Start with the whip on your horse’s withers. As you take it away, use your voice to ask him to walk fowards. To encourage him to do this, give a slight pull on the rein or flick with the whip on his side where your leg would be if you were riding him. As he walks forwards, you take a step backwards. Walk at his pace, neither pulling him nor restricting his pace. As you gently place the whip back on your horse’s wither, ask him to stand still, using hand and voice commands to stop him. Do this on both reins, until your horse understands that a whip placed on his wither is the signal to stop. It normally take three or four attempts, especially with a nervous horse.