Equipping Yourself with Ideal Groundwork Gear: Continuation of Tik Maynard's Insights (Pt. 2)
In the world of equestrianism, communication and motivation are key when working with horses. One such method is groundwork, a practice that involves training a horse without a saddle or bridle. Tools like whips, sticks, and flags are often used in this process, but their use requires careful consideration.
The author, an experienced horseman, suggests that flags can be beneficial, particularly with a pushy horse. However, he warns that timing is crucial to avoid startling the horse. Ryan Rose, a friend of the author, encourages beginners to try flags under his supervision, especially for managing a pushy horse if they are hesitant to use a stick.
The author himself keeps two Double Diamond flags in his barn, one made of stainless steel and the other of composite fiberglass. He notes that the weight of these tools can impact the horse's perception, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing equipment for groundwork.
Tik Maynard, a Masterclass instructor, frequently addresses questions about groundwork equipment. His Masterclass is recommended for riders with a variety of horse types, including pushy, nervous, unpredictable, spooky, dull, or other challenging horses.
When it comes to whips, it's important to note that they are designed to hit and can potentially cause pain. The author advises against using a whip when emotional, as it can lead to unnecessary harshness. Instead, he prefers the "Slim Sticks" made by The Horse Education Company, a company that specializes in equipment for horses.
Jake Biernbaum, another friend of the author, prefers to have a variety of sticks (short, medium, and long) when working with horses. For advanced groundwork, the author uses a Horseman's stick, a 4 feet long stick with a 6 foot string.
It's worth mentioning that The Horse Education Company offers a discount for their "Slim Stick" with the promo code "TIK" at checkout. Their slogan, "Equipment by women and for women," reflects their commitment to creating products for the equestrian community.
However, in the search results, there was no information about the company owned by Nick Rivera, the founder of The Horseman's University, nor where to find his recommendation for Horseman's Sticks.
In conclusion, groundwork tools like flags, whips, and sticks can be valuable aids in training horses, but their use requires careful timing, understanding, and consideration. It's essential to approach their use with patience and a focus on effective communication with your equine partner.
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