Young Horse Training
Young Horse Training
Sometimes you have the privilege of being taught by the horse if you have one that has been well trained. However, if you want to work with young horses then you are going to be getting an untrained horse and you are going to become the teacher. If you have a young horse consider the following tips to help your with young horse training.
Make sure that the young horse you are getting is under the age of four. If a horse is broken after the age of four it becomes more difficult to train them since they have a strong will and more imposing physical structure.
Your young horse training will go a lot easier if you get a horse with natural balance and rhythm. If you get a horse that is constantly changing their neck position (above the bit, behind the bit, etc.) then you will have a naturally unbalanced horse that has probably had incorrect young horse training already.
If you are going to get an older horse or one that comes from another training discipline, it is a good idea to follow the same guidelines of the training method. Remember that these horses have a history of good and bad experiences so they will require more young horse training, more time and definitely more patience.
If you have a three year old horse your young horse training sessions should only be three to four times a week in half hour sessions. Once the horse is four to four and a half you can increase the time of the sessions to forty or forty-five minutes. Even when the horse gets older you should never do any training session that goes over an hour in length.
Most young horse training will only require a bridle with a flash noseband and a double-jointed bit that fits well. However, be sure to make sure you are getting the proper horse training equipment to meet the needs of your horse. Otherwise you won’t get anywhere with your young horse training.
Never head out to a training session with a specific practice in mind. Horses often react differently each day, so it is best that you adapt to the horses mood and situation for the day. If your horse is tense then you should avoid a certain practice or exercise and instead focus on getting your horse loose so they don’t injure themselves.
If you feel your horse is doing extremely well for the day and they are completely balanced, smooth, supple and in front of the aids then you shouldn’t hesitate to do a new exercise your young horse hasn’t seen yet. However, introduce it playfully and don’t force it.
When you get on the horse teach them to walk on a long rein. The horses back muscles will release the best when you do this. If the horse is too new then he may need some turnout or longeing before you are able to ride him. Make it easy on your horse and start him out on the reins that he prefers.
Start young horse training by choosing a gait that your horse has little difficulty getting balance with. This way the horse can have a better rhythm and “stay together” better. Most horses find the trot is best for staying in balance.
It is important to be consistent in your training. Horses are going to be more comfortable, relaxed and easy to train when they have a clear leader. However, you also want to make sure your training routine has variety. Don’t focus on work all the time, rather make long trail rides and other fun activities a part of young horse training in order to get the best possible results.
