How to Bust a Bronco

The relationship between the human and the horse should be based on trust and understanding. Once you have established this trust and the horse understands what you want from him, you will be able to trust that it will do as you ask each time you need his help. Here are some steps to get you started on busting your first bronco.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Remain calm while dealing with horses. They are very sensitive animals and can sense if you are nervous or angry.
2. Put a halter, bridle and a lead rope on the horse while she is still in its stall. Keep the animal on a lead and take it out to a corral and let her run around in circles while you hold onto the lead. This will tire the horse out and make her much easier to deal with.
3. Place a horse blanket and saddle on the horse once he is calm enough to let you approach. This will probably take a couple of tries, so be patient.
4. Exercise the horse again with the saddle on. This allows the horse to get used to the saddle and will further wear her out, so she will be more submissive and accepting of your leadership.
5. Try to get in the saddle once your horse is tired and submissive. Speaking to the horse in gentle and soothing tones will help him stay calm while you attempt to mount. Be patient, this may be a little difficult.
6. Maintain your seat as the horse will probably try to buck you off. If you do get thrown stay calm and get right back up there. The horse doesn't understand her own size or strength, but does understand fearlessness and a dominant attitude.

Tips & Warnings

• Horses tend to go along to get along. That is they tend to be agreeable and will do most anything you want them to so long as they trust you and understand what it is you want them to do.
• Horses respond well to affection and will like it if you gently rub their necks and treat them kindly.
• These steps may need to be repeated for a number of days to allow the horse's automatic responses to be fully deprogrammed.