Working with a pedestal can be a lot of fun for your horse that can also improve confidence for a variety of situations. It can help with trailer loading, confidence on the trails, and it helps with awareness and balance. As with all training methods there are slightly different ways to approach the process. If one approach isn't working for your horse try to think outside the box, the best training happens when you listen to your horse and try out a variety of techniques.
What are the benefits?
Helps your horse learn to "step-up" which can greatly increase confidence for trailer loading.
Gives your horse more self-awareness and better sense of balance.
Gives the horse a target and a place to go where he feels more secure.
It can help you develop a better relationship with your horse, playing with the pedestal and using it as a reward in liberty work.
Helps desensitize the horse for agility, trail classes, and working equitation where they will need to cross a bridge and work with other obstacles.
It's fun!!! For both you and the horse!
What type of pedestal should you use?
I bought an aluminum pedestal with a round shape for performing. Douwe learned on this type of pedestal and it was easier to roll around and lighter to carry to shows. The wooden pedestals are much heavier but are more preferable to use at the beginning. A large, square pedestal (around 36" x 36") or a rectangular shape (around 24"x 42") works really well for a beginner horse. If you are interested in purchasing a pedestal please scroll to the bottom of this post for more information. You can also purchase instructions on how to make a pedestal at Allen Pogue's website. https://www.imagineahorse.com/shop/pedestals/.