This month, we will cover how to teach your kids or any novice rider to understand leads: what a lead is, what the correct lead is in each direction, and how to feel which lead your horse is on. We’ll also share a training tip to get your horse on the correct lead if you are having trouble.
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This month we’ll conclude our three part series on colt starting. We’re going to use a technique that I like for a colt that is being especially difficult or broncy. There are other ways of starting your colt, and this way takes the help of an experienced rider or professional trainer and the help of a calm, broke horse. I want to stress that the exercises we use here are not for every horse and rider. Remember that your safety and your horse’s safety is always top priority, and only do these exercises to the extent that you are comfortable and confident.
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This month, we will continue our series on how to start a colt under saddle. Before you start this month’s exercises, review last month’s round pen training to make sure your horse remembers everything and is listening to you.
For the exercises we will cover today, you will need support boots for your horse’s legs, a rope halter with a 12’ lead rope, a Navajo type saddle blanket that can be folded and unfolded easily, whatever saddle pad you like to ride in, and your saddle and anything you normally ride with such as a back cinch or breast collar.
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This month we will cover how to start a young horse in the round pen as the first step towards starting him under saddle. For these exercises, you will need a round pen about 60 feet in diameter, a lariat rope, and protective boots for your horse’s legs. I want to start by mentioning some safety notes. Make sure that your round pen walls are smooth and free of any hooks or sharp edges that could cut your horse.
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Teaching tricks can be a fun way to work with your horse. It changes things up a bit and makes it interesting and exciting for both of you. We’re going to cover teaching two tricks here: first, teaching your horse to side pass towards you, and second, teaching your horse to shake his head yes and no.
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