Overview of The Process of Starting The Young Horse
By Jason Webb
Over the past six months I have written about the process I use for starting horses and ponies. I believe all horses should have the same grounding, regardless of the discipline the horse is destined for.
The most important thing I have at the forefront of my mind during the whole process is safety, both mine and the horse's and if you are in any doubts that safety may be compromised; you are better off seeking professional help. Over the years, I have introduced certain aspects to improve safety and always work with certain facilities and equipment, such as a round-pen and an Australian stock saddle.
I should reiterate at this point that all the methods that I use are based on the following principle:
Pressure - Result - Release - Reflect. Meaning that when you give an aid and get the correct result, you stop asking and give the horse a rest!
Below is a timeline for the four - six weeks that it takes me to start a horse under saddle, with a brief explanation for each phase. Remember that all horses are different and I have given an overview for a straightforward breaking-in!
Days 1-3 Groundwork
This will include tying up, leading, general handling, 'join-up', the introduction of the saddle and bridle and mouthing the horse through long reining.
Days 4-6 First Rides
The first rides will be in the round pen and will only last 5-10 minutes. The horse will be introduced to being ridden in walk, trot and canter on both reins in the all weather arena. It is important to repeat the work done the day before each time as repetition is the key to a settled horse. During these first few rides, you are looking for forward motion and positive responses to the aids to change direction and to stop. Don't expect perfection at this stage!
Week 2
During this week, the horse will be introduced to being ridden in an open field and around the farm. The horse will come across all sorts of interesting and spooky things and it is our job as riders to reassure them and not let things become an issue. Reacting in the wrong way (such as grabbing at the reins to stop a horse rushing forward from a spook) may create future problems such as bolting, napping and rearing in the most severe cases.
Remember opening and closing gates are an excellent way of developing control of the horse. Keep your patience however long it takes and remember to reward your horse with a break after he has done the right thing!
Week 3
During this week, the rides will become longer and I may introduce some elements of the discipline the horse is destined for. On their rides, I will put them over natural obstacles such as logs, small shallow ditches and through water. They will be hacked out on a quiet road in company and alone once I feel I have adequate control of speed and direction!
I tend to leave them tied on the yard whilst I ride another horse. This teaches them a valuable lesson in patience and also gets them used to all the comings and goings in the yard, such as tractors, other horses, dogs etc!
Weeks 4 - 6
During these weeks, I will consolidate on the work I have done in the previous weeks and would expect the horse to be going in a settled, forward manner. I may do some more work in the arena, for example with transitions and some basic jumping exercises, or introduce stick and balling for horses destined for polo. I will also do some work on the ground and make sure the horse is a willing loader and is safe for the farrier to work with.
Before the horse goes home, the owner would ideally have had a few rides on the horse, but at the very least, they must have seen the horse being ridden and be happy with the way he is going.
I would recommend that the horse is turned away for a while after he has been ridden at home a few times. It is a very intense time for the horse to cope with and he will deserve a break!
To view all the articles on Starting the Young Horse, or to contact me directly, please visit www.australianstockhorses.co.uk or phone Jason Webb on 01580 211662.
