Firstly, I begin by establishing a solid foundation of ground training; using exercises that I mimic during the mounted training.  The final step before the first ride is desensitizing and sensitizing horses to the saddle!   For many years I have used a DUMMY rider as the last step in my ground work because proven experience confirms that it significantly reduces stress levels of the horses I work with. This step is a fairer transition for starting any or a problem horses!  Most horses do not like the sensation of legs when they first touch their sides, or the height of a rider above and behind the back of their heads. I find that using ‘a Dummy Rider’ helps to desensitize and sensitizing horses before a rider gets onboard and therefore minimizes injury to both horse and rider. The timeline varies with each horse as to how long they take to accept ‘Dummy rider’, it can be as little as 10 minutes to start with up to 45 minutes. I find that 2-5 days’ use is all that is usually needed in most cases. Only use the dummy after horses are accepting the saddle and the boat bumpers.  

 

No I do not think the horse thinks it’s a real human but my school of thought is this is a reasonable half way between no rider and a real live breakable one! Of COURSE the Foundation of Ground training is necessary training not JUST a good idea - it's essential. Prior to getting into the saddle; I use a dummy rider I call Jezebel!  This method I use for starting untrained, retraining and horses with behavior issues, etc.   I find this method is Much, much safer for horse, rider and handler on the ground.  For a lot of horses, it's not the weight on their backs, it's the fact that there is something/someone up above them; this goes back to their instincts to flee as this is traditionally where predators would attack, by leaping onto their backs.  Both horses in the above photos the Grullo was very excitable/nervous and the Paint was an abused rescue after the Foundation of Ground training this was the last step I used before the first rider.  Please know that neither of them bucked!

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THE PROCESS

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​HOW TO USE IT

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Basic Foundation of Ground Training is not only a good idea - it's essential “Something every horse must know”. That's why I start using the dummy AS FOLLOWS;

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• Handling, ground manners establishing boundaries & gaining respect

• Desensitizing to strange objects & locations

• Sensitizing – Lunging directional control & transitions using voice commands

• Introduction to surcingle including boat floats

• Introduction to pad & saddle

• Introduction to a dummy rider repeat basic foundation exercises

• Introduction to mounting block and teaching horse to STAND there while rider jumps up and down, then leans over, etc

• Then rider lying across saddle - first in halt, then in walk - rider can slip down very quickly and safely if horse gets tense.

• Then the rider mounted while the horse is led & then lunged with the help of an experienced horseperson on the ground.

 

Finally, the rider goes off the lunge and begins linking their minds to the horse’s mind using exercises that mimic the foundation of ground training exercises.

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Instructions – Making a Dummy Rider

There are commercial dummy riders that cost hundreds of dollars on the market butI found the following to be effective and really inexpensive:

 

• One pair of coveralls

• Legs and seat stuffed with hay

• Stomach a 2.5-gallon pail – drill two holes in the rear, two in the front and secure ropes through the holes and the coveralls.

• Fill the chest with hay.

• Use a Multipurpose Foam Dummy Styrofoam Model Heads.  

• Use a felt marker for the eyes and mouth optional!

• Use foam pool noodles for the arms

• Attach old boots for the legs of the coveralls with duct tape

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