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
The Importance of Good Posture
Getting Down with Minis
Turning Fear Into Curiosity
Going Slowly
Gate Training
Leading Correctly
How to Square Up
Walking Straight Lines
Bending Through the Rib Cage
Proprioception
Good Posture and Performance
Plan Every Move for Good Posture
Keep Lessons Short and Easy
Leading for Ideal Muscle Development
Showmanship Judging
Showmanship Is Not Just for Show
Showmanship Patterns
Turn on the Haunches
Turn on the Forehand
Leading Purposefully at the Walk and Trot
Teaching Your Equine to Stand Still
Leading Through Straight-Forward Obstacles
Leading Through Lateral Obstacles
When Stage Two Leading Lessons Aren't Working
Side Passing the "T"
Preparation for Lunging
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The Importance of Good Posture
Your horse, mule or donkey isn't born with good posture--so Meredith has some tips on how you can ensure he's moving his body properly as you train.
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 #11 - The Importance of Good Posture.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Getting Down with Minis
Training miniature equines is similar to their larger brethren, but often requires special approaches to make them comfortable. Find out how to best work with your mini in “Getting Down with Minis.” 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 #18 - Getting Down with Minis. To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Turning Fear Into Curiosity
Leading training on the obstacle course is your equine’s initial exposure to real fear. Meredith explains how to turn that initial fear into a curiosity that will positively guide your equine’s future interactions with the world!
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 #19 - Turning Fear Into Curiosity.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Going Slowly
When training any equine at any stage, going slowly and being clear and consistent in your approach is a more rewarding—and much safer—way to train for both you and your equine.
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 #20 - Going Slowly.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Gate Training
Including good manners and routine practices while teaching gate training makes your job—and your equine’s—a lot easier, now and far into the future.
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 #22 - Gate Training.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Leading Correctly
The key to leading your equine correctly is consistency—learn how to use leading cues correctly and consistently 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 #25 - Leading Correctly.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
How to Square Up
There are many advantages to having an equine that can square up at the halt, because that means he is putting equal weight over all four feet for ideal balance and good posture.
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 #28 - How to Square Up.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Walking Straight Lines
In order for your equine’s body to be properly balanced, it’s important to fine-tune all movements and make them as steady, balanced, and coordinated as possible.
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 #29 - Walking Straight Lines.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Bending Through the Rib Cage
A supple equine is a pliable, self-confident and healthy equine. That is why it’s so important that he learns how to properly bend through his rib cage. The benefits will be enormous and will last a lifetime.
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 #30 - Bending Through the Rib Cage.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Proprioception
Equines are not born with an awareness of their own bodies, or proprioception, so they must be taught how to orient themselves.
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 #31 - Proprioception.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Good Posture and Performance
For your equines to perform their best, they need to have even weight distribution and efficiently utilize balanced movement in their bodies.
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 #32 - Good Posture and Performance.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Plan Every Move for Good Posture
By planning every move and being consistent, you can reinforce your equine's good posture—until it's a natural state for them.
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 #33 - Plan Every Move for Good Posture.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Keep Lessons Short and Easy
Training sessions that are too repetitious and last too long will only fatigue and frustrate your equine, resulting in unwanted resistance. Keep lessons short and easy for the best training results.
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 #34 - Keep Lessons Short and Easy.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Leading for Ideal Muscle Development
Conducting your leading training on flat ground first is the best way to build strength in good equine posture for symmetrical muscle development.
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 #35 - Leading for Ideal Muscle Development.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Showmanship Judging
One of the most difficult things your equine will ever learn is to stand perfectly still while the show judge inspects him.
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 #37 - Showmanship Judging.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Showmanship Is Not Just for Show
There is a common misperception that “Showmanship” is just a class at an equine show, but the truth is that showmanship training is beneficial to your equine any time.
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 #38 - Showmanship Is Not Just for Show.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Showmanship Patterns
If you are going to attend a show, it is advisable to get a copy of the rulebook that is designated by the show committee, so you know what to expect for each class you enter.
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 #39 - Showmanship Patterns.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Turn on the Haunches
The turn on the haunches can be a complicated move for your equine. Learn how to approach the move 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 #40 - Turn on the Haunches. To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Turn on the Forehand
Meredith demonstrates how to teach your equine to execute a turn-on-the-forehand on the lead line. 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 #41 - Turn on the Forehand. To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Leading Purposefully at the Walk and Trot
Leading with purpose will keep your equine’s responses attentive, prompt and smooth.
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 #42 - Leading Purposefully at the Walk and Trot.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Teaching Your Equine to Stand Still
Whether or not your equine is calm enough to really stand still depends on all the lessons he has had and how they were executed.
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 #43 - Teaching Your Equine to Stand Still.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Leading Through Straight-Forward Obstacles
Learn how to lead your equine through forward obstacles in order to instill confidence and turn your equine’s fear into curiosity. 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 #44 - Leading Through Straight-Forward Obstacles. To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Leading Through Lateral Obstacles
Learn how to lead your equine through forward obstacles in order to instill confidence and turn your equine’s fear into curiosity.
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 #45 - Leading Through Lateral Obstacles.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
When Stage Two Leading Lessons Aren't Working
If leading lessons aren't working, try asking yourself these questions to figure out what's going wrong.
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 #46 - When Stage Two Leading Lessons Aren't Working.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Side Passing the "T"
Side passing the "T" is an advanced move, and a good challenge for testing your equine's lateral abilities.
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 #47 - Side Passing the "T".
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ]. -
Preparation for Lunging
Is your equine ready to start lunging training? And are you? Ask yourself these simple questions—before you get into the roundpen—to make sure.
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 #48 - Preparation for Lunging.
To watch the video full-screen, click the icon in the bottom right corner of the player that looks like: [ ].