Horse Breaking Part 2

In part 1 I cover some horse breaking techniques that are used in natural horsemanship training when working in a round pen. Now it’s time to ride. That’s right – you ride before you fit the bridle.  All you need is a halter and lead, or you can attach two leads to the halter if you prefer (like reins).  This time, bring a mounting block into the round pen, and introduce your horse to it.  Saddle up, lean over your horse’s back, swing your leg over, and sit up.

With some horses, you will be able to do this in one session; with others, it might take several sessions over a few days, with you getting a little farther each time.  When you are on board, and your horse is standing quietly, it’s time to move off!

For the first experience of carrying a rider, you might like to have  a helper in the center of the pen who can use natural horsemanship round pen techniques to help control your horse, but by now most horses will relaxed and ready to accept  a rider.

Encourage your horse forward with your voice, or your handler can drive the horse gently forward from the center of the pen.  Let your horse choose the pace – it may need a little practice to find its balance – but encourage it to explore walk, trot, and canter with you on its back.

Don’t use the lead rope(s) to control the speed or the direction – if it gets too fast, your handler should invite the horse to the center with body language.  Otherwise, use your voice, your weight, and your patience to slow the horse down.  To turn, don’t pull the horse around with the lead; instead push the horse by laying the lead against its neck, and by turning your body in the direction you want to go.

Only when you can control the pace and the direction comfortably from the back or the horse, without a handler, are you ready to introduce a bridle.  Again, your horse should be curious about any new item you bring into the pen, so let your horse check it out.

Hold the bridle so your horse can put his head down to it, and encourage it to open its mouth by tickling its muzzle with the bit.  If your horse is ready for the bridle, it will accept the bit without force, and you can go ahead and slip the bridle on.  Now you are all tacked up, and riding your horse!