If your horse is younger than 2, it may be best to wait until it is older. Speak to a veterinarian or trainer for further advice. Though younger horses are easier to train, horses past 4 years of age can still be trained, as well as older horses past 10 years old. [2] X Research source
Every horse learns at a different pace. Learning a new exercise can take weeks or months with almost daily training in 30-minute increments.
Grooming can serve as a reward for your horse, or a way to bond with their owner or trainer. [5] X Research source Gradually touching your horse with a saddle blanket and eventually laying the blanket on its back help them get used to the weight and feeling. [6] X Research source
Circle work trains your horse in following commands, and will prepare it to listen to a rider’s commands. [7] X Research source
Make sure your horse has good ground manners and interacts well with people before going further in training. Time spent training depends on the horse’s age and personality. It can take weeks or months to be prepared for starting under saddle.
Don’t tie your horse while saddling, which can be dangerous if it gets spooked. Your helper should hold it in place. [10] X Research source
Make sure your horse has accepted the saddle and is comfortable wearing it before you try mounting. You’ll know your horse is comfortable when it doesn’t try to remove the saddle with its mouth, flinch when being saddled, or seem skittish when wearing it.
Knowing how to mount a horse properly will help you as a rider, and help your horse get used to the sensation.
Your horse is ready for walking if it does not flinch or resist when being saddled or mounted.
