Mike Clinton
Introduction: American Belgian Draft horses as riding horses
American Belgian Draft horses are known for their impressive size and strength, making them ideal for heavy work such as plowing fields or pulling carts. However, these gentle giants can also make wonderful riding horses with the right training. Riders who appreciate a smooth, steady ride and a horse with a calm demeanor might find that a Belgian Draft is the perfect mount for them.
Basic training: halter breaking and leading
The first step in training an American Belgian Draft horse for riding is to halter break them, which involves getting them used to wearing a halter and being led by a handler. This training typically begins when the horse is a foal and continues until the horse is comfortable being led in a halter. During this stage, the horse learns to be responsive to the handler’s cues and to trust the person handling them.
Groundwork: lunging and desensitization
After the horse is comfortable being led, the next step is to introduce them to groundwork such as lunging and desensitization. Lunging involves leading the horse in a circle around the handler on a long line, which helps the horse learn to follow commands and use their body correctly. Desensitization training involves exposing the horse to various stimuli such as tarps, umbrellas, or other objects that may cause fear or anxiety. This helps the horse learn to remain calm and focused in potentially stressful situations.
Saddle training: getting used to tack
Once the horse is comfortable with groundwork, the next step is to introduce them to the saddle and other riding equipment. This involves getting the horse used to having a saddle placed on their back, wearing a bridle, and being mounted. The horse will also need to learn to stand still while the rider mounts and dismounts. This training often involves a lot of repetition and positive reinforcement to help the horse associate the equipment with positive experiences.
Riding training: first rides and steering
After the horse is comfortable with the saddle and other equipment, the next step is to start riding them. During the initial rides, the horse will learn to respond to basic commands such as stop, go, and turn. The rider will also need to work on establishing a good balance and position in the saddle. As the horse becomes more comfortable with being ridden, they will start to learn more advanced maneuvers such as trotting and cantering.
Advanced riding training: gaits and maneuvers
As the horse progresses in their training, they will begin to learn more complex maneuvers and gaits. These might include lateral movements such as leg yielding or shoulder-in, or more advanced gaits such as the extended trot or the canter pirouette. These maneuvers require a great deal of strength, coordination, and balance from both the horse and the rider.
Specialization: draft work or riding
While many American Belgian Draft horses are trained for riding, others are trained for draft work. Draft horses are often used to pull heavy loads such as wagons or plows. These horses require specialized training to learn how to work efficiently and safely in a team.
Physical training: conditioning and fitness
In addition to their riding or draft work training, American Belgian Draft horses also require physical training to stay in good condition. This might include regular exercise such as lunging or riding, as well as conditioning work such as hill work or trot sets. Maintaining good physical fitness is essential for these large horses to stay healthy and comfortable under saddle or during draft work.
Mental training: building confidence and trust
Training an American Belgian Draft horse for riding or draft work also involves building their mental fitness. These horses need to be confident and calm in a variety of situations, and they need to trust their handler or rider. This might involve positive reinforcement training techniques, as well as other methods to build the horse’s confidence and trust.
Conclusion: a versatile and reliable riding horse
Overall, American Belgian Draft horses can make excellent riding horses with the right training. They are strong, steady, and dependable, and they have a calm, gentle demeanor that many riders find appealing. Whether you are interested in riding or draft work, an American Belgian Draft horse might be the ideal mount for you. With proper training and care, these impressive horses can become versatile and reliable partners for a variety of activities.