Just like people, all horses are different. Their personality, conformation, and willingness to accept an understanding or fight it all plays into the approach you will use with the colt. By using the term ” colt ” I am referring to a horse that is at least three and has had the proper handling leading up to ” starting them under saddle.”
This blog will be about a young horse in particular. She is a 4 year old Bashkir Curly Breed. She has been taught to lead, tie, pick up feet, trailer, etc. by her previous owner. The first lessons I give with the horse consists of confidence. I am not only speaking of the horses confidence in what I am doing , but also my confidence. I will not tiptoe around the young horse. I will confidently approach and she will learn not to tense up as she learns this is the start of trust. You can see a horse tense their body as a natural defense in a new situation. This is why petting all over by allowing them to be unaware of where you are petting, works well for desensitizing. this is a method traced back to Linda Tellington Jones as a Ttouch approach. I can’t believe how many horses I have helped with her method, now to be able to combine therapy using motion as well is even more rewarding!
You can use a rope and saddle pad as well, known as ” sacking out the horse ” I don’t overdo the sacking out process at the beginning, I am trying to create a relaxed atmosphere, not a traumatized, afraid to move scenario. This step makes sure they process the information mentally as well as physically. Do not forget the defense mechanism of the horse ” shutting down ” they are ignoring , not absorbing if mouth is tense, eyes not soft and of course body tense.
I have explained in other blogs, horse shuts down mentally becoming unaware of surroundings. It is the same survival technique humans use to tolerate domestic violence situations.
This Mare had good handling experiences and was well taken care of which means she believes the intentions of human handling is positive and unharmful. I would rather work with an untouched colt than one that has been completely ruined. It is fun to see if you can train your own horse but not if you are uneducated with the methods you are trying to impose. Once the horse feels confused or the need to protect himself from these methods, you have created a monster of a mess and it’s hard to know what to do if you have not taken the time to properly educate yourself or the horse. There is no one recipe for training , horses are all different and they decide when and how much they can absorb. Sometimes you can ride a young horse and then the next day you have to start over. This starting foundation is so important as they will always remember it and come back to it.
If I am re educating a problem horse, I can always tell within a week if they had a solid start, then I know I can fix them easy. Keeping their minds sound while starting ensures a good relationship through their life. We want horses to know that their job is to take care of us when riding and We want the horse to know We will care and protect them as well. Just as in any relationship, this builds trust and confidence.
What I have learned about these Bashkir Curly’s ( I had never even touched one! ) is they are easy to work with, friendly, and have a strong work ethic. You cannot wear them out, their endurance makes them fabulous athletes! This mare is a gorgeous mover and will be trained using Dressage Principles. Western, English, trail , Jumping – I believe she will excel at anything I teach her. There is a video at end of blog after 90 days of training. Working consistently on keeping young horses relaxed and in a consistent rhythm in their gait is an important part of their foundation.
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I cannot post a colt starting blog without adding this Guy.
Absolute love at first sight and again, a sound mind and body. He was also started with the Decarpentry in hand so no kicking and pulling to get him to turn and go. This has created a well balanced light horse who is already practicing the sophisticated exercises of Dressage. Go Tucker! 1/2 Andalusian 1/2 Quarter Horse ( Azteca )
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