Things You'll Need:
- Horse
- Tack
- Practice objects
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Step 1
Make sure your horse's saddle and bridle fit well before attempting to ride under saddle.
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Step 2
Warm up your horse. To get him limber and work off his excess energy, walk, trot and canter him in both directions for 15 minutes.
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Step 3
Set up practice obstacles. Ground poles, low jumps and old tree branches are good because they mimic what a rider encounters on the trail.
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Step 4
Mount your horse and walk him to the first obstacle. Allow him to put his head down and examine the obstacle, then urge him forward by squeezing your legs. Give him plenty of rein so that he can choose a safe path over the obstacle.
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Step 5
Wait patiently while your horse decides how to navigate the obstacle. Stepping over new items can be frightening for a horse, so give him time. Talk to him and again squeeze your legs to urge him on.
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Step 6
Stop your horse once he’s stepped over the obstacle. Praise him, then turn him around and go over the obstacle again. Always give your horse plenty of rein so that he can put his head down and clearly see the obstacle.
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Step 7
Ask your horse to approach the obstacle from several directions so that he is familiar with it from all sides. Start him out at a walk each time so he learns how to navigate safely.
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Step 8
Slowly work your horse up to more complex obstacles. Beginning with simple objects allows him to build confidence and safely cross anything in his path.
