Posted: 2nd March 2015 | Back to news feed
GUY Robertson showcased his vast knowledge of horsemanship at a successful Racehorse to Riding Horse demonstration at the Northern Racing College near Doncaster.
With his many years’ experience starting young horses and working with problem cases, Guy’s techniques were put to the fore with Paintball and Red Highlights the two demonstration horses.
Guy worked with the seven-year-old Paintball throughout the groundwork session, explaining the importance of horses understanding boundaries and not pushing or pulling at their handlers but being respectful of each other.
The handsome, bay gelding, which is owned by the Racing College was clearly a handful from the ground but quickly changed his behavioural pattern thanks to Guy’s skills and expertise.
From a bucking, and fly kicking horse with over the top energy, Paintball calmly adapted to Guy’s handling techniques, following his body movements backwards and forwards, keeping in line with him as he walked and progressed around the indoor arena.
Said Guy: “Groundwork builds leadership and confidence in the horse but there needs to be clear boundaries as to what is acceptable and what isn’t.
“Like many racehorses Paintball has a lot of ‘extra energy’ and this needs channelling in the right direction by lifting and dropping the energy, disengaging the hindquarters and helping him to feel good when he relaxes and drops his head below his withers.
“The thoroughbred is the ultimate flight animal and you have teach them to yield to pressure in a different way than simply running wild.
“Anything that you can do to make these horses feel softer the better so they don’t worry and become uptight.”
During the ridden session, Guy concentrated on the five-year-old Red Highlights who he has ridden no more than 60 times since she came out of racing.
At first a little unsettled by the atmosphere in front of the audience, Guy allowed her to relax by keeping her moving and then encouraging her to stand and take everything in.
Using soft hands and a relaxed contact Guy wanted her to be responsible for regulating her own speed while staying soft in her outline at the same time.
Working on the lateral and vertical flexion, Guy was quick to reward Red Highlights when she made an attempt to try and understand what it was he was working to achieve.
Added Guy: “She is a fantastic and very talented mare who could go on to be a great competition horse in a number of disciplines.
“I was delighted with her progress over the evening and how she coped in a very different environment to simply working in the arena at home.
“It was great to see so many people turn out and hopefully enjoy the event and leave with a bit of extra knowledge they can use when handling their own horses and ponies.”
Catch up with Guy and the team at his clinics and workshops throughout the summer months.
For further information contact 07876 033028, email info@guyrobertsonhorsemanship.co.uk or visit www.guyrobertsonhorsemanship.co.uk
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