Dummy Rider|Alpha Natual Horsemanship

DON'T BE A DUMMY USE A DUMMY Rider

Bridging the gap between groundwork and riding!

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. The three horses in the above photos the - Grullo was very excitable/nervous, the Paint was an abused rescue after the Foundation of Ground training and the Dun the last step I used a Dummy rider before the first rider. Please know that neither of them bucked!

Why use a dummy rider during the ground training?

During the basic training process horses are very unpredictable therefore, I use a Dummy rider for the final step in my groundwork because the process will:

Make the training process smother and makes it safer for the horse also the rider
Speed up the mounting and backing process, but the aim is safety
It will bring about some of the weakness, instability and it adds to the learning curve for the horse
Simulate the feeling of having a rider on the horse’s back
Allow your horse to adjust to the added weight and movement without the stress or unpredictability of a real rider.
Significantly reduce anxiety and resistance in horses.

How to use the Dummy Rider

When it comes to horse training, one essential tool that should never be overlooked is the dummy rider. Whether you’re a professional trainer or an enthusiast looking to develop a strong bond with your horse, incorporating a dummy rider into your training routine can make a world of difference. There are different types of dummy riders available in the market but I decided to build one myself. Over the years I have used my home-made version of a dummy rider many times has proven very effective! A dummy rider is a simulated representation of a human rider that can be attached to a horse’s back during training sessions. It is designed to mimic the weight and movement of a real rider, providing a lifelike experience for the horse. The purpose of a dummy rider is to familiarize the horse with the presence of a rider, enabling them to adjust to the sensations and pressures associated with riding.

Introducing a Dummy Rider to – Young, Inexperienced or problem Horses such as Bucking

In all cases I found that horse required a gradual introduction to the dummy rider. Begin by allowing them to observe the dummy rider from a distance, gradually decreasing the distance over time. Once the horse is comfortable with the sight of the dummy rider, you can proceed to introduce it closer to them. Start by attaching the dummy rider to a stationary object, such as a fence or a training stand, allowing the horse to approach and investigate at their own pace. Reward them for showing curiosity and interest.

Once the horse is comfortable with the stationary dummy rider, you can progress to introducing movement by gently swinging or rocking the dummy rider.

Use a Dummy Rider in Groundwork Exercises

Groundwork exercises form the foundation of horse training, and a dummy rider can play a valuable role in enhancing these exercises. By attaching a dummy rider to the horse’s back during groundwork, you can introduce the concept of carrying a rider in a controlled environment. This helps the horse become familiar with the weight and movement, preparing them for mounted training later on. Start by incorporating the dummy rider into exercises such as lunging and long-lining. Gradually increase the complexity of the exercises, introducing turns, transitions, and lateral movements. As the horse becomes more comfortable with the dummy rider, you can progress to more advanced groundwork exercises, such as obstacle courses or desensitization training, while still having the dummy rider in place.

Advanced Training Techniques with a Dummy Rider

Once the horse is familiar with the dummy rider, you can explore more advanced training techniques. These techniques can include teaching specific movements, such as leg yields or lead changes, with the dummy rider in place. The dummy rider provides a consistent weight and balance, allowing the horse to focus on understanding and responding to your cues.

Additionally, you can use the dummy rider

To simulate various riding scenarios, such as riding in a group, encountering different obstacles, or navigating challenging terrain. This helps the horse develop confidence and adaptability, preparing them for real-life riding situations.

First Step

I do a horse specific pre training evaluation and use the information gathered to develop the implementation training plans to establish; Foundations on the Ground and Mounted! I begin by establishing a solid Basic foundation of ground training; using exercises that I mimic during the mounted training. For most owners/trainers 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...

Ground Training is more than a good idea - it is the most important education the horse and owner/rider will learn!

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

How & when to use it

I don’t believe the horse thinks its a real human but using proper horse specific training & implementation plans and strategies without skipping a step we have had very few horses buck or freak out during the first day ridden on and off the off the lunge! The ones that have would NOT have been helped by a dummy rider! During the accepting and ground and mounted training, look for an easygoing walk and a willingness to yield to pressure and flexing in circles. From my point of view and proven experience, a dummy in the saddle is a reasonable half way between no rider and a real live one! A few quick tips:

Basic Foundation of Ground Training is not JUST a good idea - it's essential “Something every horse must know”. That's why we start with:

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.