Young, beginner horses need first to be trained to lead by the halter, back up and to stand where tied before being asked to carry a saddle and rider, says Heather Smith-Thomas in "Storey's Guide to Training Horses." She suggests that training begin on the ground before weaning and continue until the horse is old enough to begin longing. Once your horse is longing comfortably at all gaits, tacking up and riding become the next time-consuming steps in your animal's education.
Longing and Tacking Up
Step 1
Work your horse without tack on a longe line in a round pen at the walk, the trot and the canter in both directions. Longing teaches the young horse to move on command at all three gaits without the weight of the saddle and rider and should be started by the time the horse is 2 years old, writes Olympic champion rider Dr. Reiner Klimke in "Basic Training of the Young Horse."
Step 2
Accustom your horse to the feel of the tack by loosely girthing a surcingle, an elastic band used in longing, over the saddle pad on its back. Once the horse feels comfortable, remove the surcingle and place a light saddle on top of the pad; allow the horse to relax before tightening the girth on the saddle. Do not rush--a young horse needs to feel safe with the saddle and pad before you attempt to introduce the bit and bridle.
Step 3
Place the headstall, noseband and throatlatch of your bridle over the horse's head and loosely buckle them without attaching the bit. Permit the horse to feel at ease before fastening the bit to the bridle and introducing it into the horse's mouth. Remain calm and take several days to conclude this step, recommend Eleanor Prince and Gaydell Collier in "Basic Training for Horses--English and Western."
Step 4
Longe the horse in a round pen in full tack at all three gaits and in both directions for approximately 20 minutes every three days, suggests Dr. Klimke. Continue longe training for several weeks to months until the horse is fully accustomed to the tack and changing gaits as requested. The length of this training step depends on how well the horse picks up cues from you, the trainer, before you attempt to mount for the first time.
Mounting and Riding
Step 1
Move your fully tacked horse into a round pen next to a mounting block. Have an assistant hold the horse's head by the bridle to keep it from moving, and slowly hang your body over the saddle, with your torso on the right side of the horse and both legs on the left side. Prepare to slip off quickly if the animal begins to buck or act out; this step may take several attempts before the horse is calm enough to put weight in the stirrups.
Step 2
Stand on the horse's left side and lean down on the left stirrup with your hand and arm, putting the weight of your upper body into the stirrup. Move around to the right side and repeat this procedure. Have your assistant hold the horse's head to stop any forward movement.
Step 3
Climb the mounting block and place your left foot into the left stirrup. Stand up in the stirrup, keeping your knees straight and placing all of your weight on this side of the saddle. Repeat this step until you determine the horse will stay calm for mounting.
Step 4
Prepare to mount by grabbing the reins and a piece of the horse's mane in your left hand. Hold the reins to control the horse's head, put your left foot into the left stirrup, and lightly swing your weight over the horse and into the saddle. Do not drop your body heavily onto the horse's back, and have your assistant at the horse's head.
Step 5
Pet and rub your horse's neck until it appears calm and relaxed, then dismount. Repeat mounting and dismounting until your horse learns not to be afraid. Smith-Thomas advises following this procedure over a period of several days until the young horse becomes more confident--staying in the saddle for longer times each day before dismounting.
Step 6
Squeeze with your legs, not your heels, to move your horse forward for the first time under saddle and rider. Allow your horse to move in a direction of its own choosing--training at this point is directed at getting the horse to walk ahead with confidence. Kicking your heels or pulling on a young horse's mouth at this point may cause it to become fearful and dangerous.
Step 7
Begin training the trot and the canter gaits once the horse is moving comfortably forward at the walk.
Tips and Warnings
- Talking quietly to your horse, rubbing the neck and remaining calm need to be essential ingredients in your attempt to train a young horse, write Nathan Bowers and Katie Reiff in "4-H Guide: Training Horses." Training a horse requires patience, persistence and time--and attempting to shorten the process can be dangerous for both you and the animal. If the horse is unwilling to move forward once you are in the saddle, have your assistant lead it around the pen until the horse begins moving on its own.
- Do not attempt to mount an untrained horse from the ground in case the horse spooks or attempts to run away. A mounting block or hay bale provides enough stability for you to get your body out of the saddle and your feet out of the stirrups in this kind of emergency. Susan E. Harris, in "The U.S. Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship," recommends wearing an equestrian helmet during any type of mounted training.
Things You'll Need
- Longe line
- Round pen
- Surcingle
- Saddle pad
- Saddle
- Bridle
- Mounting block
- Assistant
References
- "Storey's Guide to Training Horses"; Heather Smith-Thomas; 2003
- "Basic Training of the Young Horse"; Reiner Klimke; 2000
- "Basic Training for Horses--English and Western, a Complete Guide for Riders and Instructors"; Eleanor F. Prince; Gaydell M. Collier; 2003
- "4-H Guide: Training Horses"; Nathan Bowers, Katie Reiff; 2010
- "The U.S. Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship"; Susan E. Harris; 1994
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