The Best Way to Begin Horse Traning
Training a young horse, regardless of its gender, requires time and patience in order to build trust. Every horse has its own preferences, quirks and personality traits. As such, owners and trainers should consider using different training techniques to find what works best for both owner and horse. No matter what is used, it is essential to begin by teaching socializing and the horse's appropriate responses to pressure.
- Start socializing young horses earlier. It is best to begin immediately after weaning, to acclimate the horse to the trainer's presence. It is not advisable to introduce any specific lessons until the horse is at least one year old. At this stage, try to get the horse to become familiar with the trainer's voice and also to get used to close proximity of the trainer.
- Touch the horse in various areas once it becomes comfortable been in close proximity with a person. Begin with large body areas like the hind quarters, barrel and withers. Move on to fetlocks, shanks, tail and muzzle as the horse will tolerate.
- Move the horse to an appropriate enclosure to start training. Most young horses will not accept a halter right away, so it is a good idea to lead its mother into the enclosure and then allow it to follow. As soon as it gets inside, remove the mare, or tether it out of the way, depending on its initial response.
- Continue touching the horse while it is in the enclosure. You can focus primarily on the crest, muzzle and poll in order to prepare for a halter. Get the young horse become used to handling of its mouth, ears and nose as sensitivity in these parts of the body can make it shy away when head gear is introduced.
- Rub the young horse's neck with one hand and at the time speak in calm, relaxed tones. Use the other hand to try to put a halter over its muzzle. This will likely require several attempts for several days before it relaxes while being fitted with the halter.