So you want to learn how to train a horse? You have come to the right place! Let's get started.
The first thing to look at when learning how to train a horse is your experience level when riding and handling horses
If you don’t have any experience with riding horses at all, you shouldn’t attempt to start training a horse to ride right away.
If you do have a few years worth of really solid riding skills and are a confident rider, you may be able to attempt to train a horse.
This could be a horse with a mild issue that you feel confident about retraining.
If you are riding or around horses the term "training" is deceiving.
Remember that:
Make sure you are teaching him POSITIVE things!
I want to share an example with you to illustrate this point.
My first horse had never had a rider on her back and I was just 12 years
old when I bought her as my first training project. Since she was not broke you might think I was in over my head but here are the other circumstances in relation to my experience and the horse's experience.
The trainer was too big to ride the horse. Her growth had been stunted from starvation.
At barely 13hh the trainer thought she would be a good first training project for me given my experience level and size, and I agreed.
My goal was to back this mare and teach her basics at the walk, trot, and canter.
So, what that means for you is:
Just ask anyone that has had a fall off a horse they "didn't expect". You don't want to get in over your head when you are just learning how to train a horse. That is dangerous for you and the horse.
The less experience you have the easier your training project should be.
Look for a horse that is pretty easy going for the first several horses you train.
There are as many training methods as there are breeds of horses out there!
Once you find a method you should stick with it unless you find it just isn't effective for that horse.
Switching around to a bunch of different methods, especially in the beginning will only confuse you and the horse. Be consistent, and as your skills grow you can try different approaches. Later when you are more confident you can blend what you are currently using with something new.
Do take a look at clicker training for horses.
Break your training goals down into manageable sections and write down
the smaller milestones and time frame when you can reach them.
For instance, if the horse you are training has never worn a bridle, it would be a good smaller goal to introduce and have him be comfortable with things like
Get him used to the bridle you are going to use by setting these goals,
Adding flavoring to the bit, or a treat when you put on his bridle may encourage him to take and enjoy the bit
By tracking your progress with goals, you can see how far you have come and any gaps in your training.
Learning how to train a horse takes a lot of time and patience on your part. It is an art form born from experience that you keep refining with each horse you work with.
Remember we are all ultimately, students of the horse. They will teach YOU much more if you are willing to listen.
You may also be interested in:
Horse Training Tips - Great ideas for how to train a horse right ... right from the beginning.
Horse Training Career- Do you know what is required to be successful?