How to Adjust the Training Forks to Set a Horse's Head

A training fork can be an excellent tool for teaching a horse to carry himself in a balanced manner, but it is important to use that tool properly. The training fork should be used as an adjunct to training, not as a replacement for the ground work and riding that goes into teaching the horse to work off of his hind end as he moves. When the training fork is used, it is essential that it be adjusted properly to get the right results.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Snaffle bit
  • Training fork
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle on the horse's back but do not tighten the cinch. Run the cinch through the loop at the end of the training fork, then tighten the cinch normally.

    • 2

      Put the horse's bridle on. Be sure to use only a plain snaffle when using the training fork. Run the reins through the rein loops on the training fork and flip them over the horse's neck.

    • 3

      Adjust the rein ends of the training fork so that the reins are not too loose. Do not tighten the ends too much--your horse will need to move his head to balance properly and engage his hind end.