Remember, this is a very large animal that is scared, could be belligerent and want to hurt you just to get away from you. Your life, and those around you could be in danger. So be smart, find someone who knows what they are doing before you attempt anything close to “taming” this animal. You might just save the horse’s life too.
Get a “pre-purchase” examination by a qualified equine veterinarian. Your vet specialist can help you to discover any underlying medical problems, joint conditions, dental problems that may impact training regimes. Not every horse is friendly, or going to make a good candidate for training.
There is a huge spectrum of training. From Dressage to Endurance to Hunting and Jumping to Track Racing, the list is more complicated than possible to get into for the purposes of this article. It’s important to consult with experienced trainers where you stable your horse and develop an appropriate plan for your purposes. [2] X Research source
After a while, when your horse just starts coming, stop bringing treats. Your horse will eventually come to realize that when you come out, they should too.
That being said it is not hard to gain a horses trust. First you will want to tether your horse with a halter and a lead rope so the horse won’t walk away from you. It is always a good idea to have someone who knows about horses with you to help you manage the horse at first. The more time you spend with a horse, the more they’ll learn to trust you. [4] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
Always wear boots and pay attention to where the horse hooves are because you will eventually get stepped on. Whenever possible approach your horse from the front or side. Horses have wide angle vision but if you are directly behind them they cannot see you. [5] X Research source Horses especially enjoy when you approach them from the side and pet their neck or the side of their face. [6] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
A carrot or some grain in your hand will get their attention. When feeding a horse with your hand give them the flat of your palm not your fingers. [7] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Let the horse smell you and get to know you. Run your hands over their back and hind end.
If you want to build a bond with your horse brush and stroke it daily, it will go a long way. It is a good idea to begin any ride with 10 minutes of gentle brushing and massaging your horse. [8] X Research source
To begin with, just start bringing a lead rope, but keep strolling around. If your horse seems okay with this, start strolling around other places. You can even go into an arena, so they get used to it. Remember not to wrap the lunge line, so if your horse bolts or spooks, you won’t be dragged. Once your horse can properly perform a walk, trot, canter, and halt in both directions, add a saddle. Keep lunging your horse from a halt to the canter, and gradually add weights to the saddle.
If your horse is standing too close to you or leaning on you, then push back gently. Horses respond to pressure. So firmly push the horse into position don’t ever yank or yell at a horse. You will find that applying pressure will often get a better result.
Always use a saddle that you can fit in comfortably. You don’t want to feel crammed, but you also don’t want the seat to be too big. [11] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. Once the saddle is on, the front should rest on the blanket close to the base of the horses neck and the girth strap should hang just behind her foreleg. When tightening the girth strap gently apply pressure do not jerk the strap. [12] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020. Have a friend help you with tying the cinch off and putting on the bridle which takes some practice with placing the bit between the horses teeth without knocking the teeth with the bit.
Often there is a good reason for this and you must try to figure it out and fix the problem. Sometimes leading the horse away into a different direction and circling back is enough to get them to cooperate. An anxious and frightened horse might have really tense muscles, pointed or pinned-back ears, flared nostrils, and/or wide eyes. [13] X Expert Source Jessica RudeEquine Expert Expert Interview. 18 September 2020. If the horse approaches you, you can assume that they’re curious about you. [14] X Expert Source Alana SilvermanCertified EAGALA Equine Specialist Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
Some horses don’t even go forward, but will just back up endlessly while you’re on. If your horse displays bad habits (bucking, kicking, rearing) after the first few minutes, try being a bit sterner. You want to make it clear that bad habits are a no. After thirty minutes, get off. Your rides will get longer with time, but you want your horse to get used to a rider.
