Building Confidence in Riding Young Horses

TLDRLearn how to build confidence when riding young horses. Start with groundwork to establish a relationship. Focus on getting the horse's nose soft and disengaging its hindquarters. Don't rush the process and always prioritize safety.

Key insights

🐎Establishing a relationship with a young horse is crucial for building confidence in riding.

🤝Getting the horse's nose soft and disengaging its hindquarters can help establish trust and control.

Take the time needed to build confidence and don't rush the training process.

🚦Prioritize safety and trust your gut instincts when deciding when to progress in training.

🏇Remember that building confidence is an ongoing process and requires consistency and patience.

Q&A

Should inexperienced riders ride inexperienced horses?

It is generally recommended that inexperienced riders avoid riding inexperienced horses to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

How do you establish trust with a young horse?

Establish trust with a young horse through consistent groundwork, rewards, and clear communication.

How do you disengage a horse's hindquarters?

To disengage a horse's hindquarters, apply pressure with the rein on the opposite side and use your other hand to guide the horse's head.

What should I do if a horse acts nervous or skittish?

If a horse is acting nervous or skittish, take the time to address the issue and continue with groundwork until the horse is calm and responsive.

Can I start riding a young horse after 30 days of training?

It is recommended to spend at least 90 days on training a young horse before starting to ride, but the timeline may vary depending on the horse's progress and readiness.

Timestamped Summary

00:06Introduction to the importance of involving families in the show and discussing the topic of riding young horses.

02:18Starting with groundwork to establish a relationship with the young horse and gain its trust and respect.

07:18Teaching the horse to soften its nose and disengage its hindquarters for better control and communication.

09:28Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and trusting your own instincts.

11:56Reiterating that building confidence with a young horse is an ongoing process that requires consistency and patience.