Equip Yourself with suitable Groundwork Equipment, as advised by Tik Maynard (Pt. 2)
In the world of equine training, the right tools can make all the difference. Here, we delve into three versions of a tool commonly used for groundwork: whips, sticks, and flags.
The Horse Education Company, a company with a focus on women's equipment, produces the popular "Slim Sticks" and offers a discount with the promo code "TIK" at checkout. For those seeking a different option, Tik Maynard, a renowned Masterclass instructor, recommended the "Hoof Care Specialists" when buying a Horseman's Stick.
The Horseman's stick, also known as Carrot sticks, slim sticks, savvy sticks, or training sticks, is a versatile tool for beginners. At 4 feet long with a 6-foot string, it can be used to rub a horse, run down the legs, or throw over the horse's back to keep flies off. One unique feature of the Horseman's stick is that it does not "flick," reducing the risk of accidentally hurting the horse.
Jake Biernbaum, a friend of the author, prefers to have at least three sticks (short, medium, and long) on hand when working with horses. On the other hand, Ryan Rose, another friend of the author, encourages beginners to use the flag, especially with pushy horses. The author himself has two Double Diamond flags in his barn, one made of stainless steel and the other of composite fiberglass. He prefers the composite fiberglass flag due to its lighter weight and better balance.
Irrational use of any tool, such as whips, is not recommended. Emotions like fear, frustration, anger, or annoyance can lead to improper use. Instead, these tools should be used to communicate and motivate, but they can also hurt if misused.
For more advanced riders, long dressage whips or lunge whips can be used for groundwork. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the equipment to use for groundwork, similar to saddles, bridles, or riding pants.
Tik Maynard frequently fields questions about equipment for groundwork with horses, and his Masterclass is recommended for riders with pushy, nervous, unpredictable, spooky, or dull horses. The author's Masterclass courses are also available for learning about analyzing and addressing common training problems for sport horses.
Finally, a creative and simple DIY trick: Flags can be easily made by cutting a plastic bag in half and looping it through a horseman's stick. This makes for a quick and cost-effective alternative when you're in a bind.
In conclusion, the right tools can greatly enhance your horse training experience. Whether you choose whips, sticks, or flags, remember that proper use and understanding of each tool are crucial for a successful and harmonious relationship with your equine companion.
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