How to Train a Morgan Horse
Morgan horses are typically intelligent and eager to please, making them ideal for riders willing to spend time exercising a horse at least three times each week. A bored or discouraged Morgan may become stubborn and flighty. Use positive reinforcement, a varied training schedule and the horse's natural curiosity to keep training sessions interesting. Remember, only an experienced rider should attempt to train a horse.
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Things You'll Need
- Halter
- Lead rope
- Ground poles
- Round pen
- Longe line
- Longe whip
- Tack
- Safety helmet
Instructions
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Training a Morgan Horse
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1
Focus on the ground work when you first bond with a young or untrained Morgan horse. Encourage your horse to pay attention to your cues by asking him to circle, back up, walk over ground poles, yield his haunches and yield his forehand.
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2
Progress to working on a longe line in a round pen. Begin with small circles at a walk, moving on to larger circles and more rapid gaits once your Morgan horse understands your cues and consistently moves around you in a large circle until asked to stop.
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3
Introduce the horse to the saddle, bridle and other tack which you plan to use for riding. Use praise and/or treats to encourage your Morgan horse to stand calmly during the process of tacking up. If your horse has very little training, spend several days working him on the longe line with tack before you ride him.
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4
Mount in the round pen and ask your Morgan horse to move off at a quiet walk. Always wear a safety helmet when you are riding a horse. Spend at most 15 to 20 minutes riding during this first session; take care to end on a good note with plenty of praise for your horse.
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5
Move on to more challenging work as your horse gains confidence and experience. Morgan horses respond well to varied and interesting work, such as trail riding and work with cavaletti. Teach bending, collection and extension at all gaits; these skills are critical for all performance disciplines.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider hiring a professional trainer to help you with your young or untrained Morgan horse. Look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement; avoid trainers who have little experience or who use only one training system regardless of the individual needs of a horse.
Try clicker training your Morgan horse. This positive reinforcement method is fun and encouraging for both you and your horse.
Use a variety of new objects, sights and sounds to encourage your Morgan's natural curiosity and boldness while avoiding spooking. Make a game of introducing one completely new thing to your horse every day.
If you become frustrated with your horse, return him to his stall and go home for the day. Anger is never useful in training horses.
Never attempt to train a horse if you are not yourself an experienced rider.
If your horse becomes lame during training, make an appointment with a veterinarian and don't continue work until the vet okays it.
