Approaching New Obstacles With Your Horse
The Mattress
By Nicole Shoup Horsemanship
Tack n More
Crossing obstacles with your horse is a good way to build relationship and test your
horsemanship. They help horses and riders learn how to problem solve, follow direction,
and build confidence with the unknown.
As a trainer, it is very important to me that we set up first introductions of new obstacles
in a thoughtful manner. This gives the horse and handler a chance to have a positive
experience with the obstacle and therefore become more willing.
It is best to first introduce obstacles in a controlled setting and on the ground. As the
horse’s confidence grows, riders can approach new obstacles while mounted. Before
beginning your session with obstacles, be sure the horse has a preexisting
understanding of the lead rope and supporting aids (whip, flag, voice) before
approaching obstacles.
It is safest to cast/send horses through obstacles when they are learning. The horses
are less likely to run into you if they are off to your side and you can help with your
supporting aid in a more effective manner. Also, when you are mounted, you are on top
of the horse and not in front of them. So, send them through to introduce the idea of
independence.
Attached is a series of photos of introducing a horse to the mattress for the first time.
Riders should go through this process for the first time and determine if they need to do
each step again depending on the horse’s progress.
The end goal is to have a horse that is willing, forward, and calm with no hesitation.
Always go back to the preparatory steps if you need to. Be sure to give your horse
breaks to soak and think to keep them relaxed and learning. Repeat these phases going
both directions!
Read the captions to understand how we systematically set this session up for success.
You can use the same concepts with any obstacle!
Phase 1: First, we angle the mattress against the wall where it is set up kind of like a
funnel. Using the wall provides a barrier and removes options for the horse. We leave a
space that the horse can go through so he learns to get close to the mattress and feel
the confinement with the wall.
Phase 1: The horse has 2 choices. Go through the little space of ground or cross over
the mattress. This also teaches the horse that forward and through is the answer. It
lowers the chances that the horse would start backing up and become resistant.
Phase 2: Move the mattress closer to the wall which eliminates the space to get through
without stepping on the mattress. The horse now has to step on the mattress, unless
they jump, but they will likely step with 2 feet. This is less intimidating than crossing the
whole thing.
Phase 2: Crossing with 2-4 feet on an angle. Give the horse small breaks after these
moments to soak in what they just did.
Phase 3: Close the angle and put the mattress against the wall. The wall is one
boundary and the handler is the other. Now we are looking for all 4 feet to cross with
confidence. It's okay if there is some hesitation, but do not allow them to dip away or
push into you.
Phase 3: The horse crosses over the mattress with little hesitation. Mattresses are
particularly scary because of how unstable they feel.
Phase 4: Test your work! Place the mattress in the middle of a space and cross it
without the boundary of the wall. You can cross it width wise or length wise first.
Sometimes crossing width wise is less intimidating and easier for the horse. Then, be
creative by changing the challenge through increasing the speed, asking the horse to
stop on it with 2 feet, or back off of it.