In general, a horse's fidelity depends on the method by which it was trained or tamed. Riding a horse tamed by the persuasion method is much more fun, and it doesn't compare to the experience one might have with a horse tamed by force.
Steps
Step 1. Earn your horse's trust
Try to bond with your horse. If he is afraid of you or does not trust you completely, it will be difficult to teach him anything. Talk to him, brush him (grooming helps to connect with the horse and bond between you two) and reassure him when something is scaring him.
Step 2. Train the horse from the ground
Before attempting to mount him, it is important to make him gain confidence by training him from the ground.
- Attach the lead to the horse's halter. Teach him to follow your commands as you circle him around you. Let him understand the meaning of the words: "aaalt", "vaivaivai" and "Indietrodietrodietrodietro", with regular and calm tones of voice.
- Teach him to walk beside you by leading him with the lead. He should learn to stop, start, turn and, most importantly, respect you as a conductor. Try to get your horse used to the idea of not being able to do what he wants.
Step 3. As you train your horse, get used to the riding equipment you will use later
At first, the animal may be frightened or intimidated by the unfamiliar environment of the stables.
-
The horse will have to get used to the bit. Start letting him hold it for short periods, gradually increasing the duration. Try to choose a bit suitable for a horse that is starting to tame. Lead the horse under the reins.
Break a Horse Step 3Bullet1 -
A horse must also get used to the weight (unusual until then) of the saddle. Put the saddle on him and lead him along the lead.
Break a Horse Step 3Bullet2
Step 4. Prepare the horse to be ridden
Until now, the horse will have seen you only at eye level. Lead the horse near a fence post, then stand on the fence post so that the horse can see you in a higher position.
Step 5. Mount the horse from the left side (because it is from this side that we usually approach it), holding the reins in one hand
With your legs gently squeeze his hips and command him to move. Try to reassure him during this process.
Step 6. Ride the horse often, for longer and longer periods and in different places, so that it gets used to being led by a rider
Advice
- Reassure your horse if you see it pulling its ears back, or if you know it is frightened.
- Let your horse know who's boss. If he gets nervous, don't stop, otherwise he may think he can do whatever he wants.
- When your horse carries out an order, gratify him by speaking softly to him.
- Before starting with a new teaching, have the horse repeat something it already knows how to do and then continue from there.
- Always do some warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after training.
- When it comes to the length of a training session, every horse is different. Understand your horse to know when to quit.
- Before starting any training exercise, gain your horse's trust. If he doesn't trust you, you won't get very far.
Warnings
-
Be wary and pay attention to body language. If the horse drops its ears and paws with its front legs without backing up, try to calm it down. Maybe you take a break, maybe he has worked too hard and starts to get irritated, scared or confused. It's a bit like teaching a child something new: if he doesn't understand it right away, he may feel useless. It takes time and not strength.
- Horses are influenced by your emotions and body language. If you are tense and anxious, the horse will be as well.
- A horse is usually not ready for regular training unless it is at least two years old. Starting earlier could compromise the horse's back.
