Starting young horses
It’s incredible how big an imprint early lessons under saddle make on a young steed. Regardless of the intended future for the horse, the introduction to tack and rider plays a critical role in shaping behavior with all future human interactions. A horse that is rushed and overwhelmed will fear new situations. One that is taught he can win through intimidation will seek to scare a rider into compliance. Those who come to understand that learning is painful and violent will often react in kind over time. No two horses react exactly the same way to specific training regimens. Being able to read the horse’s behavior and react with appropriate responses and cues to guide their performance can make the difference between a willing, safe performer and a weary, resistant and dangerous adversary. Sometimes you get lucky. Unfortunately, once you blow a horse’s mind or make them mean, it’s tough to turn them back into useful mounts and pleasant companions. It takes a lot longer to fix a problem than to start right initially, and often, you never can get a horse completely right after a bad start. Considering all the time and money you have and will put into your horse, doesn’t it make sense to create a foundation for possible greatness from the start? Most will agree it’s a whole lot more fun riding or watching a horse that is willing, able and eager to tackle the tasks requested of him rather than one that is difficult and unpredictable. That basis is set early in life and carries through to much of what is requested of the horse during his lifetime. For ideas on working with young horses, see our related articles and quick tips. Related Articles Body Language
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