01
Tarps
BeginnerWalk over, beside and under crinkly, shifting tarps.
- Trust in footing
- Calm with noise underfoot
Obstacle guide
Horse Obstacle Course Georgia: What's on the Course
Our equine obstacle course Georgia riders can use year-round sits inside a covered arena. Below is a guide to each obstacle: what it teaches, how challenging it is and how to introduce it, for horses, mules and donkeys alike.
- 9
- Obstacles
- 2 hr
- Per block
- All
- Skill levels
02
Flags
BeginnerLearn to stay relaxed around flapping and waving fabric.
- Calm with movement
- Trail readiness
03
Bridges
IntermediatePractice careful footing and trusting your rider on a hollow-sounding surface.
- Careful footing
- Rider trust
04
Pool noodles
BeginnerSoft, wobbly and unfamiliar: a gentle first step in desensitization.
- Touch tolerance
- Confidence in tight gaps
05
Noise obstacles
IntermediateRattles, clatter and other sounds, introduced at a pace the horse can handle.
- Startle recovery
- Focus on the handler
06
Gates
IntermediateOpen, pass through and close gates from the saddle or on the ground.
- Precise positioning
- Patience
07
Tight spaces
IntermediateBuild body awareness and patience in narrow passages and corners.
- Body awareness
- Straightness
08
Stop-and-go challenges
All levelsSharpen your transitions and your horse's attention to your cues.
- Responsiveness
- Smooth transitions
09
And more
The course changes, so ask us what is set up for the next event.
Building confidence
Working through obstacles at your animal's pace
Desensitization works best when it is gradual. Most animals move through three stages, and there is no rush to reach the last one.
Stage 1
Look and approach
Stand at a comfortable distance and let your animal look, sniff and breathe. Move closer only while they stay relaxed.
Stage 2
Work in hand
Lead them over, through or past the obstacle from the ground, so you can read their body language up close.
Stage 3
Ride it
Once the obstacle is easy in hand, try it from the saddle, then add a second pass in the other direction.
New to the idea? Our guide to horse desensitization training in Georgia explains the basics, and 25 trail obstacles every horse should master shows how course work carries over to the trail.
Before you come
What to bring
- Halter and a long lead rope for groundwork
- Your usual saddle and bridle if you plan to ride
- Coggins test and health certificate (see document FAQs)
- A water bucket for your animal
On the day
Tips for a good first visit
- Arrive a little early so your animal can settle in
- Start with the beginner obstacles and build from there
- Take breaks; standing quietly is part of the training
- Finish on a good note, even if it is a small win
Mules, donkeys and every kind of horse
A mule obstacle course Georgia owners can trust needs to respect how mules think: they tend to look carefully before committing. You are welcome to take that time. Read more in our mule and donkey FAQs.