Starting horses has almost become a lost art. There are many fine horsemen who train and show horses successfully, yet starting the young horse has become just a necessary evil that must be dealt with prior to the “real” training process. Often this job is relegated to a less experienced assistant or the colt is sent away for a “Horse Breaker” to remove the bucks. There is more to Starting a horse than removing the bucks. Solid Foundation is KEY
Throughout my own long history with horses, I have always wondered at the common practice of "sending a horse to the trainer.... (read more) " To me, it didn't make the best sense, because the owner most certainly doesn't have the same skill set that the trainer does so how will that training going be maintained when the horse comes home? For years I have thought, "Wouldn't it be great if the "common practice" was for the trainer to come to the horse?"
So it makes more sense to me for a trainer who understands all the ins and outs of natural horse keeping in addition to natural horsemanship style training, to work with the horse in its own environment, to be able to assess the environment and management practices to address possible issues that might be contributing to the problem, as well as to work WITH the owner and teach the owner how to teach the horse. This is particularly important with horses that have behavior problems, or rescue horses.
Your Colt Should:
*Lead and follow respectfully.
*Be able to be tied and stand tied.
*Be able to pick up all four feet well enough to be trimmed or shod.
*Readily enter and exit a horse trailer.
*Be able to be saddled without a fight, and bridled without being evasive or pulling away.
*Be able to be lunged both directions and stand still for mounting.
*Be ridden at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions. Transitions through these gaits should be fairly smooth.
*Be able to stop and back up.
*Be learning to yield away from leg pressure for lateral movement.
*Be able to be ridden outside as well as inside the confines of an arena.
If you Colt is having difficulty doing any of these things. Please call me. I can and will help.