How to Train a Horse

Training a horse requires a healthy balance of discipline and sensitivity. The trick is to teach the animal to obey your commands without breaking its spirit or abusing it in any way.

Things You'll Need

• Saddle
• Bridle
• Halter
• Horse treats

Instructions

1. Establish what you want of the horse, and be sure the breed is is ready for it. Work with a halter and lead line is a one-year old or younger. When the horse walks or trots with you, lifts its feet or turns according to your directions, reward it with pats and treats (grain, carrots, or apples) immediately. Train your horse in 10 to 15 minute sessions every day, at the same time if possible. Stop the session if your horse is cranky. After horse is halter trained, you can pony it (hold lead line) while riding an already trained horse. Remember that animals train best if they are taught things the same time every day.

2. When the horse is 2 years or older, start introducing it to a blanket, saddle and girth. Reward it with treats as progress is made. Then put snaffle bit 9copper is best) into the horse's mouth. If possible, drive the horse from behind, asking it to walk, trot, stop, or slow down. If possible, teach right or left turn commands by voice. Get the horse used to a tie-down (or martingale), so it doesn't shoot up its head to avoid contact with the bit. When horse adjusts to this, try getting on horse, by putting your belly only on the saddle, and have someone else lead horse around at a walk.

3. When the horse is okay with your weight on its back, get on the saddle fully. Carefully slip both thighs around the saddle and put your feet in the stirrups. Have one person lead the horse on a lead line connected to halter while you sit on the animal's back. Utter the verbal commands to walk, turn and stop. Twist your legs slightly in the appropriate direction and work the reins to make horse turn. Work in short straight line patterns, curves or wide circles.

4. After the horse starts obeying your commands to walk and turn, have it trot in brief spurts. Stay on a level surface or go uphill. Do not go downhill until the gait is mastered. Once the trot is mastered, go to a lope. Again do not go uphill until the lope is mastered.

Tips & Warnings

• A horse can kill you if you don't use common sense or caution.

• Don't overwork a green horse, as you can damage its bones and joints.