How to Train a Belgian Horse

Training horses is difficult and not a task for beginners, but it can be a very satisfying project that yields excellent results. Belgian horses are draft horses that are larger and stronger than average riding horses. In general, training a draft horse is basically the same as training any breed of horse, but there are some important differences.

Things You'll Need

  • Longe line
  • Round pen
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Halter
  • Longe whip
  • Harness
  • Cart
  • Shafts
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Instructions

  1. Training a Belgian Horse

    • 1

      Begin with a horse that has already been trained for ground-manners. The horse must walk and trot in-hand, respect your space, listen to your voice commands, halt, remain tied, tolerate grooming, bathing and all other basic handling. You cannot begin formal training unless the horse is well-handled and respects the handler.

    • 2

      Introduce the horse to the round pen. Using a 30-foot longe line and longe whip, teach the horse to work in a circle around you at different speeds. Stay at or behind the horse's shoulder and encouraging him to move forward with the whip. Teach him to go in both directions and to recognize your voice commands.

    • 3

      Saddle the horse after it has been trained to longe. Work the horse under saddle in the round pen, at all speeds, until the horse is comfortable with the saddle. Bridle the horse next, and work him in the round pen. Attach side reins to the bridle and the saddle, teaching the horse to give to mouth pressure and understand bending while at different gaits.

    • 4

      Introduce your weight into the stirrups while the horse is being held by an assistant. Move up and down until the horse is comfortable with your motions, then climb aboard. Pat and reassure the horse before asking for it to be led out. Teach the horse his hand and leg aids until he is proficient at them at all gaits.

    • 5

      Ride the horse in the round pen and outside of the pen daily or four to five times a week until the horse is comfortable having a rider on its back. If you intend to train the horse to drive, it will be time to introduce the harness and shafts.

    • 6

      Train the horse in the round pen with the harness and shafts until it accepts the shafts being dragged behind it. Introduce the training cart in the same way. Pair the horse with an older, more experienced horse who will show him how to work in the harness when pulling a heavier load.