A little patience with introducing a racquet and ball to a young or new horse can save a lot of time and makes the game more enjoyable! Here are 6 steps that are demonstrated in the photos with a homebred 2yo (excuse the woolly coat!). Let your horse sniff at the racquet.
Put the racquet to the side of the horse. Let the horse run away from it if he wants, but keep the racquet in the same place. Once the horse stops running, take the racquet away. Do this on both sides.
Now rub the racquet on the horse’s neck and side, again, only taking it away once the horse has stopped running away. Do this on both sides until he is comfortable with it. Using the same technique, introduce a ball and gently throw it into the air next to the horse.
Repeat these steps whilst leading the horse on foot.
Get on and reintroduce the racquet on the neck and side of the horse again, only taking it away once the horse is walking in the direction and pace you ask for.
Progress to picking up on both sides at walk, then in faster paces before throwing the ball to yourself. Do everything as smoothly as possible.
