Versatility Training Part 2: Ring Jousting & Javelin Throwing - were continuing our versatility series of articles inspired by our Wind Rider Challenge

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Versatility Training Part 2: Ring Jousting & Javelin Throwing

were continuing our versatility series of articles inspired by our Wind Rider Challenge

Two as One Horsemanship
Bob Jeffreys Suzanne Sheppard
Two As One Ranch
168 Tamms Road
Middletown, NY 10941

Phone:	845.692.7478
Web Site:	http://www.twoasonehorsemanship.com
Email:	suz@twoasonehorsemanship.com

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Description

As we promised last month, were continuing our versatility series of articles inspired by our Wind Rider Challenge cross disciplinary competition. In this installment well focus on two of our most exciting challenges: the ring joust and the javelin throw. Derived from military maneuvers that date back to the days of medieval knights, both fun, exciting skills to master, especially when performed at a canter, lope, or even an all out gallop!

The goal is to conquer each task without breaking the gait. If you and your horse are already neck rein well, youll definitely have an advantage, because youll be able to hold the reins in one hand while holding the javelin or lance in the other. Well discuss how to teach your horse to neck rein well in a future installment.

Our first step in preparing our horses, however, should be a slow, methodical sacking out with each item while on the ground. Although our javelin and jousting lance are similar in size (we make ours from everyday broomsticks, which we paint and decorate with ribbons, etc) they can appear different to your horse once hilts, streamers, paint or duct tape are applied. So rub both items, one at a time, all over your horse using an approach and retreat method until your horse is totally unconcerned with them. Our jousting lances have dull ends, but our javelin is somewhat pointed on the leading end to enable it to stick in a hay bale when thrown. Some caution in your sacking out will be required.

Next choose which weapon to focus on first, mount up and have someone hand it to you (your horse may have to be introduced gradually to a human walking up to him while holding a stick). Simply walk around with it until your horse calmly accepts it on both sides. Make sure that your horse does not shy away from the side youre holding it on, especially when you adjust you position from one side to the other. Then trot and when hes solid at that gait, canter around the arena while holding the javelin or lance. If he gets upset or you get in trouble, just drop it; you progressed too far, too fast. Go back to his comfort zone and begin again, giving him the time he needs to feel confident and relaxed. Now repeat with the other weapon.

The next step is to get your horse accustomed to walking, trotting and cantering past a hay bale with a target attached or painted on; do this without holding the javelin at first, if necessary. Once this is easy, teach him to approach a ring holding helper or device (either a person holding up a ring in their extended arm, or a ring holder made of PVC pipe, on which the ring is hung. Make sure that the ring can easily be removed: if it got caught on the ring holder (human or plastic!), youd be dragging around a mighty scary object and your horse could really panic! As before, approach without the lance if he needs this additional baby step to get comfortable more quickly, and then repeat with the lance as many times as necessary.

Once youve mastered these steps, walk up to the hay bale, toss the javelin at it gently, and continue walking past.. Do this nonchalantly at first, building up gradually to a hearty thrust so the javelin sticks in the bale firmly. Proceed to doing the same at the trot, the canter, and ultimately the gallop. A straight line approach is important, and dont assume that you can get up close to the hay bale; you may be required to stay up to ten feet away as you go by, so practice hitting your target from a distance.

Additional Information

Category: Clinicians / Training Articles>Jeffreys & Sheppard
Region: New York
Ad Running: 4/30/2010-4/30/2011

Ad Posted: 4/30/2010 3:33:36 PM
Ad Viewed: 107 times

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Two as One Horsemanship
Bob Jeffreys Suzanne Sheppard
Two As One Ranch
168 Tamms Road
Middletown, NY 10941

MAP

Phone: 845.692.7478

suz@twoasonehorsemanship.com
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About the Two As One Horsemanship Team

Bob and Suzannes Two as One Horsemanship, a unique horse training partnership, strikes a perfect balance between the English and Western riding disciplines that inspires equine enthusiasts worldwide. Join them online, at equine expos nationwide, and for their Two as One Clinics, Horsemanship Education Courses, ProTrack Horse Trainer Certification Program, and Bob & Suzannes Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge, the hottest cross disciplinary competition in North America!