In response to letters and emails from people with training and behavior questions about their equines, Meredith has created a series of short training tip videos to help address some of these common issues. Be sure to check out the Detailed Descriptions if you’d like the printable guide that goes along with each video.
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If you have a training question or an idea for another Training Tip video, check out the Ask Meredith section for commonly asked questions, or click here to submit your question.
Select a category to display Training Tips:
Donkey Training | Feeding & Management | Tack, Equipment & Restraints | Grooming | Imprinting, Desensitization & Good Manners |Leading for Good Posture & Core Strength |
Lunging for Good Posture & Core Strength |Ground Driving |Riding Training |
Arena Training | General Performance Training |Jumping | Driving | Postural Rehabilitation
Transition To Drivelines
Getting in Sync on the Drive Lines
Ground Driving in the Round Pen
Ground Driving the Hourglass Pattern
Laterally Ground Driving the Hourglass
Ground Driving Straight Forward Obstacles
Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles
When Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles Aren't Working
Ground Driving the Side Pass "T"
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Transition To Drivelines
Once your equine has become proficient in his posture and balance, leading over obstacles, and various stages of lunging, you are ready to put your equine on the drive lines in the round pen. Find out how to make this transition successfully. And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline. This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #57 - Transition To Drivelines. To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Getting in Sync on the Drive Lines
Getting into sync with your equine should be easier once he is calm about you ground driving him from behind at the walk. Good posture, consistent rhythm and regularity of footfall patterns are key to achieving calmness in your equine. See how it's achieved with finesse here.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #58 - Getting in Sync on the Drive Lines.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Ground Driving in the Round Pen
Getting a "feel" for the drive lines requires patience. Begin by using the "halt" command to change direction before making any turns to prevent confusion and resistance from your equine. Progress to making "S" turns through the middle of the round pen when your animal is ready. Once he is able to remain calm and obedient through the "S" turns, you can introduce the rein cues for the "Reverse". All these maneuvers will help your equine to understand the rein cues coming from the drivelines before he is mounted and ridden.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #59 - Ground Driving Maneuvers.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Ground Driving the Hourglass Pattern
Ground driving your equine through the hourglass pattern keeps you and your equine organized and in sync. Meredith shows you how in this Training Tip.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #60 - Ground Driving the Hourglass Pattern.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Laterally Ground Driving the Hourglass
In this training tip, Meredith shows you how to progress from lateral driving against the rails to laterally ground driving the hourglass pattern.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #61 - Laterally Ground Driving the Hourglass.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Ground Driving Straight Forward Obstacles
Ground driving your equine through the straight forward obstacles is a process of turning fear into curiosity, then finesse, coordination, competence and, finally, confidence.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #62 - Ground Driving Straight Forward Obstacles.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles
This is your equine's turn to take a leadership role in your partnership as you execute lateral obstacles on the drive lines. Navigating obstacles in this manner will instill mutual confidence and trust.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #63 - Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
When Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles Aren't Working
When working through lateral obstacles, your equine may be unsure or fearful. Be sure to work patiently on your verbal commands and take obstacles slowly while being willing to gently help him through.
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #64 - When Ground Driving Lateral Obstacles Aren't Working.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Ground Driving the Side Pass "T"
Ground driving the Side Pass "T" is an advanced obstacle that should not be attempted until your equine is calmly and obediently performing all of the straight-forward and lateral obstacles. When he's ready, be sure to take it slow, and don't forget the rewards!
And check out the bonus Training Tip Detailed Descriptions! Each Detailed Description explains the subject of the video in a bit more detail and depth, including additional photos. These documents are each about 2 - 4 pages long, and they make it easy to print out the basics of the lesson to read and study offline.
This Detailed Description covers information discussed in Training Tip #65 - Ground Driving the Side Pass "T".
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ].