Pedestal training is a method used often by equestrians to promote obedience, compliance and control. A horse on the pedestal learns dexterity and focus. A horse off the pedestal is safer, not only on trails, but everywhere. The proper pedestal should be large enough to allow the horse to turn, small enough to teach him control, and durable enough to support the animal's weight.
On a Pedestal
Step 1
Cut the sheet of plywood in half using a circular saw.
Step 2
Sand all edges of the panel you just cut using the 40-60 grit sandpaper. Coarse sandpaper will remove quickly any rough edges that may cause injury to your horse if he slips from the pedestal during training.
Step 3
Cut the 2-by-4's into 4-foot lengths. You will need 16 to create three squares on which you'll mount the top of your pedestal.
Step 4
Lay out a square using 4 of the 4-foot lengths of 2-by-4. The 4-inch width will be facing upward so that when the three squares you're constructing are connected, one on top of the other, the height of your finished supporting square will be 12 inches.
Step 5
Screw each square together using the 4-inch wood screws and drill, placing the screws at each corner so that both pieces that join in the corner are connected once the drilling is complete. You'll be drilling through the 2-inch portion of the 2-by-4 first, sinking the screw into the adjoining piece, where it meets in an "L" shape. Space the screws two inches apart to stabilize each square.
Step 6
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to create two additional 4-by-4 squares.
Step 7
Cut three additional lengths of 2-by-4. These will need to be 3 feet 8 inches long to fit inside the squares to provide support to the pedestal.
Step 8
Fit one of the 3-by-8-inch lengths inside each of the three squares, in the center, to provide support. Attach these stabilizing pieces using the drill and the 4-inch screws. Use two 4-inch wood screws on each side where the stabilizing piece meets the inside of the square. Space the screws an inch apart to maximize stability.
Step 9
Connect the three squares together, one on top of the other, using a strip of wood glue on each of the sides. Connect the first to the second, using the longer, 6-inch wood screws. Attach the third square, first adding wood glue to each side, and finishing with a line of 6-inch wood screws. The screws should be 2 to 3 inches apart to add stability to the pedestal.
Step 10
Attach the 4-by-4 plywood panel to the top of the supporting square. Secure the panel all the way around the square, and along the center where the supporting 3-by-8-inch length runs using the wood screws. Sink the screws to avoid injury to the horse.
Step 11
Cut 4 panels, 1-by-4 feet in size using the circular saw.
Step 12
Sand all 4 panels.
Step 13
Attach the 4 panels to the 4 sides of your pedestal box using the wood screws, enclosing it and covering the supporting squares.
References
Tips
- Many lumber yards and home improvement stores will cut your panels for you. This will reduce your cutting time. Treated plywood will avoid rotting.
Warnings
- Keep all tools away from children. Sand properly to remove all jagged edges.
Photo Credits
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BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
