Some trainers seem to help their students make progress much faster, helping them obtain that magical connection between horse and rider. One such trainer is Hervé Maurel, who has developed a unique training method that involves the use of cones as visual aids. 

With over two decades of experience working with horses and riders of all ages, breeds, levels, and disciplines, Hervé wanted to find a way to provide clarity and better understanding for each individual horse and rider, no matter their background or skill level.

It was during his years of teaching that Hervé stumbled upon the power of using setups with cones. These setups offered a clear visual aid that both horse and rider could focus on, making it easier to understand their mission. This revolutionary approach surpassed the traditional letters found in riding arenas and allowed riders to self-assess their work even when riding alone.

How it works

The beauty of Hervé Maurel’s training method lies in its simplicity. By setting up various cone patterns in the arena, riders can create a clear path and objective for themselves and their horses. The cones act as visible beacons, guiding both horse and rider through different exercises and challenges.

As riders navigate these setups, they develop a deeper understanding of their horse’s movements and responses. The visual cues provided by the cones enable both horse and rider to make quicker adjustments and corrections, leading to improved communication and harmony between them.

Examples of setups with cones

Hervé Maurel’s imagination knows no bounds when it comes to inventing new setups with cones. Let’s take a look at a few examples:

The Cardinal Points

In this setup, four cones are strategically placed around a 20 meter circle, marking the north, south, east, and west directions. Riders must ride the circle and mark a transition at each cardinal point, from one gait to another or within the gait. This exercise helps improve a horse’s balance and responsiveness to the rider’s seat and aids.

The Boomerang

Inspired by the curved shape of the iconic Australian throwing stick, the Boomerang setup requires riders to perform a series of half-10m circles, with a straight line in between. The goal is to maintain the same rhythm and flow while smoothly transitioning from one curve to another. This exercise improves a horse’s balance, suppleness, and bending capabilities.

The Maze

Imagine riding through a maze of cones, each representing a possible pathway. The Maze setup challenges riders to make quick decisions based on their horse’s agility and responsiveness. This exercise enhances a horse’s ability to think on its feet and strengthens their trust in their rider’s guidance.

The Evil Diagonal 😈

With a name like the Evil Diagonal, you know this setup is designed to push both horse and rider out of their comfort zones. Three cones are placed on both diagonals of the arena, one at the start, one in the center and one at the end. Around each cone, riders must walk a 10m circle haunches-in, then pick up the canter between each cone while maintaining the horse’s haunches-in. This is a great exercise to work on collection as it enhances the engagement of the hocks, the flexibility and lowering of the haunches and the lightness of the forehand.

Hervé’s Favorite: The Cross

Among all the setups Hervé has created, the Cross holds a special place in his heart. Its simplicity belies the depth of learning it offers. Four sets of two jumping poles forming a corridor are placed in a cross shape, offering an infinite range of possibilities! Circles, straight lines, transitions, half-pirouette, flying changes, there are no limits in what one can do in the Cross.

Benefits of using cones in your horse training

Visual aids play a crucial role in effective horse training. They provide a focal point and help both horse and rider stay engaged and focused. While traditional markers like letters can serve this purpose, cones offer several advantages.

Clear Reference Points for Enhanced Understanding

Using cones as visual aids greatly enhances the communication between horse and rider. 

The clear markers help horses understand what is expected of them, giving them a tangible reference point to focus on. As riders navigate the setups, they learn to become more attuned to their horse’s subtle responses. 

This heightened level of communication deepens the bond between horse and rider.

Increased Engagement and Focus

By introducing cone setups into your training sessions, you create an environment that keeps both horse and rider engaged. Instead of being distracted by external stimuli, they are fully present in the moment, actively problem-solving together. 

Improved Self-Assessment and Progress Tracking

One of the greatest benefits of Hervé Maurel’s method is the ability for riders to self-assess and track progress. 

The setups with cones provide clear markers of what is working well and where improvements need to be made. Riders can easily identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing them to tailor their training sessions accordingly. 

This level of self-awareness leads to accelerated progress and development in horsemanship skills.

Get exercises, coaching, and improve your riding style with Working Equitation Academy 

Hervé Maurel’s unique horse training method, centered around the use of setups with cones, offers a fresh perspective on building strong partnerships between horse and rider. By incorporating these visual aids into your training routine, you enhance communication, engagement, and self-assessment.

The setups are great for adding variety into your training sessions. 

Get access to dozens of exercises with videos and get ready to completely shake up your training routine with Working Equitation Academy!