Training horses can be challenging, especially when you want to teach them advanced movements like the Spanish March. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to train your horse with a good technique, based on the teachings of Haute de Colte from Austria, combined with the author’s own experiences from training horses for over 48 years.

Start with a Broke Horse and Proper Equipment

Before training your horse to perform the Spanish March, you need to make sure that your horse is well-adjusted to riding without bucking or acting up. This movement will advance their training, so it’s better if they are comfortable with you riding them. It’s also helpful to have proper equipment like collection reins, which can advance your horse’s training faster.

The Spanish March Training Technique

The Spanish March is a complex movement that requires a good technique to be learned by the horse. You can use this technique with any breed of horse. Instead of starting the training from the ground up, start with training from the top of your horse.

Start with the Left Leg and the Right Knee

Put pressure on your horse’s left calf to make sure that your right calf is not touching him. Reach to your right slightly and tap him on his right knee with a 42-inch crop. Do not hurt him; just annoy him. When he moves his right leg, release the pressure and pat him, saying good boy in a smooth tone. Repeat this movement but this time, put pressure from your right calf and tap him on his left leg. Make sure he moves one leg then the other to avoid repeating the same leg.

Progress with Collection Reins and Both Calves

After he learns to move his legs from one side to the other, apply pressure from both calves, release the reins a little to encourage him to take a step forward. Then, stop and pet him. You have established a complete step or movement.

Raising Elevation and Using Collection Reins

To raise his leg’s elevation, put pressure on your left calf while tapping his right leg until he raises his leg higher. Then release the pressure and tapping. It’s better to do this little by little each day to get the results you want. Use collection reins to keep your horse’s head in a collected position while making it uncomfortable for him to move against the pressure of the bottom rein.

A Good Technique Takes Time

Training your horse to perform the Spanish March with a good technique can take time, but you will see progress every day. Don’t try to do this all at once; do a little each day until you get the results you want. In time, your horse will move higher and higher as he walks forward.

Conclusion

Training horses with good techniques is essential to have them perform advanced movements like the Spanish March. With these tips, you can start teaching your horse with the right technique and equipment. Remember that progress takes time, but with patience, dedication, and a good technique, you can achieve your goal of mastering the Spanish March.