Training sticks

The Training Stick is a versatile tool for ground work and Natural Horsemanship and cannot be compared to a whip.

A good training stick is manufactured from non-flexible material and is available in various lengths, so that it always suits your reach and your horse.

With the training stick, you teach the horse to accurately yield to pressure. This can be done both through movement of the stick and through light, physical pressure.

Wortelstaafje

The name 'Carrot Stick' is purely symbolic and is unrelated to its often orange color. The name reminds the trainer that this tool fulfills a dual role in training:

  1. The Carrot: The stick serves as a means of reward and positive reinforcement, for example, by stroking or scratching the horse.
  2. The Stick: It can be used to create controlled pressure or discomfort, which is necessary for setting clear boundaries and teaching the horse to yield to pressure.

This principle is the essence of the Horsemanship philosophy, summarized in the motto: "Use the stick as gently as possible, as firmly as necessary." The stick thus guarantees clear, honest, and consistent communication.

Our training sticks are made of rigid, durable material. They function as the perfect extension of your arm, allowing your horse to learn to yield to pressure, both through movement and physical pressure.

Thanks to the rigidity of the stick, you can apply a precise amount of pressure very specifically and accurately. This prevents 'whipping' and unintentional, annoying touches, ensuring the signal transmission always remains clear and fair.

With a greater reach, you can work from a safe distance, desensitize, or reward your horse with a stroke.

String of flags?

A training stick is only complete with the right string (the rope at the end).

The string is the flexible extension of your stick. This gives you a greater reach to provide aids from a distance, without having to move much yourself. This is ideal for asking to increase tempo, setting up a circle, or indicating your personal space.

By moving the string, you create a dynamic, visual signal. The leather popper at the end provides the right weight, giving you more control over the movement of the string.

Another option to use in combination with your training stick is the Horsemanship flag.
The flag creates energy. The flag is perfect for creating a lot of visual energy and movement in a controlled, focused way. This can help in motivating a slow and/or lethargic horse or marking off your personal space.
Our Horsemanship Flag is made of the right material, which, in addition to a lot of movement, also creates sound.

The flag is also ideal for getting your horse used to unexpected movement and sound (flapping). By using the flag calmly around the horse, and later with more movement, you build self-confidence in the horse in a controlled manner.