Ideally, I would be just beginning formal training for a young horse.

I believe the horse is now mentally and physically ready to go into a full routine of training for going under saddle.

If you have been grooming, leading and ground schooling for the trailer…and instilled good manners in general, you should be well prepared for the next phase of training.

At this point, you should have a really good idea of the type of student you have and have a real feel for the pace you need to build trust and acceptance for going under saddle.

Your best approach is to proceed slow and gently to introduce new equipment. Show and reinforce the feelings of safety to gain your horses confidence. Your horse will show you the pace to introduce new things and repetition will build a strong learning curve.

Repeat things in your training routine in consistent order. For example: rub him or her with the saddle pad on both sides and then place it on the back. Next place the saddle and girth while stroking with your hand in those places that contact the horse. Take a few steps forward before taking up the girth and never too tight.

When you ‘bridle’ or ‘bit’ your horse for the first time…see if you can put your finger in the mouth to open it slightly. Your horse should do this easily and with it’s head low enough to be ready to bridle. I usually hold the bridle parts in the right hand above the nose and bit in the left hand to open the mouth. Move slowly and gently and you should be successful and make sure the bridle is adjusted loosely to fit over the ears without pinching.

I like to lunge and let them wear their ‘clothes’ so to speak and you can gather a lot of information by their reactions.

Gentle repetition and plenty of touching combined with regular training sessions are the key to success. Read your horses reactions and use good common sense and seek help before getting into any difficult situation.

 

Jackie Brittain
Merriewold Morgans Trainer