Picasso's Equestrian Riding School - ProRiders Equestrian Centre

We also make the perfect face painting team 🤣

Desensitising Part 4:

Empty plastic bags put onto lunging whips. Again horses sre encouraged to reach out snd sniff the bag themselves. Once that has been achieved riders can move the bag gently across the horses body. Riders need to keep a sharp eye on horse's body language and only proceed with what the horse is comfortable with.

Desensitising Part 3:

Introducing horses to plastic bags.
Riders are taught that they need to rustle the bag to grasp their horse's attention. It is important that the horse reaches out to sniff the bag on his own efforts. Once that has been achieved riders are asked to read their horses facial expression to see how comfortable their horse is with plastic bags. From their riders are instructed to slowly rub the plastic bag over their horses body. Once again ropes are held loosely so that the horse can move if they feel uncomfortable. Riders are taught that if their horse moves, they need to begin with first introducing the bag again.

Desensitising part 2:

Riders lead their horses with parelli ropes dragging on the ground next to them. If their horse steps on the rope (horses have already been trained to not freak out and stop) riders use their newly learnt skill to ask their horses to rein back to remove the horses hoof from the rope. Horses need to know their riders will assists them in difficult situations, which further builds trust.

Desensitising Part 1:

riders are instructed to introduce their horses to whips. Using lunging whips they drape and drag the string all aroumd the horses head and body. Soft taps can be used by horses legs and body. Ropes are to be held losely so that the horse has freedom to move away if too much pressure is given or if the horse dislikes something. In this case riders are to approach their horse, comfort them and apply less pressure. Discussions are held to understand horse's likes and dislikes and which areas need more work.

Teaching young riders respect from the ground Part 3:

Riders and horses need to be aware of and respect each others personal space.
Here riders are taught how to teach their horses to move out of their personal space by reining them back from the ground. Horses were also asked to remain standing while their riders took some steps away from them, and only to approach their riders when they were asked to. Riders were also given insight on how to gently correct their horses if they wanted to follow without command.

Teaching young riders respect from the ground Part 2:

Young riders need to understand their horse's body language. Here we exposed horses to gentle pressures around their bodies using parelli ropes. Riders were asked questions and given insight to each horses likes and dislikes linked to their body language, where they are comfortable with being touched and where not.

Teaching young riders respect from the ground Part 1:

Here riders were given an insight on how to use their body energy, along with a simple 'stay' command. The test was to see if their horses would stand still while they get their grooming brushes, one by one, and would remain on their places while they fully groomed. Riders were also taught how to kindly correct their horses.

At the age of 21 our Special Troy has left his career as a school horse, serving the riding school for 17 years. He has touched many young riders hearts just as they have touched his. He is a legend and a one in a million horse!!!! Happy retirement days my boy, you will be missed dearly every single day!

How these wonderful creatures have their way of showing gratitude
Troy enjoying his new sand bed 😍🦄😍

My Special Troy Boy

Today is your 21st Birthday❤

Thank you to a wonderful 16 years we have shared together!! You have been my greatest teacher in the equestrian world and have taught me what it means to be a horesewoman in all aspects ❤ you have shaped my heart in so many unforgettable ways❤

Nothing in this world can give an indication of how much I love you!!! You have made the horse world my greatest passion in life!!