How to Train a Green Broke Horse

It is important to work with your horse every day.

Working with a green broke horse can be challenging, but it can be rewarding as well. Purchasing a green broke horse gives you the opportunity to train your horse just the way you want, without having to deal with bad habits that have been instilled through previous bad handling. Working with a green broke horse takes time and patience. The amount of time required to take a horse from green broke status to finished horse depends on a number of factors, including the amount of time you have to spend each day, the condition of the horse and its ability to learn new things. It is important to tailor your training methods to the needs of each animal, rather than taking a one size fits all approach to training.

Things You'll Need

• Rope halter
• Soft cotton lead rope
• Longe line
• Longe whip
• Tie ring
• Burlap sack
• Saddle pad
• Saddle
• Snaffle bit bridle

Instructions

1. Place a quality rope halter on your horse and attach a soft cotton lead rope. Work on leading the horse so that he stays slightly behind you and to the right. Stop the horse frequently to focus his attention. If he tries to charge ahead of you, stop him firmly and ask him to back up.

2. Longe your horse, stopping frequently and changing direction. This will help the green broke horse focus on you and watch your body language for instructions on what to do. Be sure to longe the horse in both directions to loosen him up. Most horses will take to longing quite readily, but it may take some time for others to catch on. Attach the longe line to the halter, then use the whip to encourage the horse to move out to the end of the line. Encourage him to move forward until he is moving around you in a circle while you remain fairly still.

3. Stop the horse and tie him with the cotton lead rope. A tie ring can be a good tool when tying the green broke horse--these tie rings give a little bit if the horse pulls, preventing the panic that many young horses feel when learning to tie.

4. Rub the horse with a burlap feed sack. Be sure to rub all parts of his body with the sack. If the horse appears uneasy or afraid, take things slowly. Remove the sack when he begins to relax. This exercise can help the green broke horse deal with his fear in a constructive manner and teach him not to panic when he is afraid. Horses are by nature prey animals, and their natural instinct is to run away from frightening objects. By reassuring the horse as new things are introduced, you are showing him that there is nothing in which to be afraid. In order to deal effectively with a green horse, you need to set yourself up as leader of the "herd," which means providing the same leadership and reassurance that a herd leader would in the wild.

5. 

   Get your horse used to the weight of the saddle.

   Take the saddle pad and rub the horse all over, just as you did with the burlap sack. After the horse is used to the feeling of the saddle pad, start throwing the pad over his back, first from one side and then from the other.

6. Place the saddle pad on the horse and carefully set the saddle in place. Fasten the cinch so that it is just tight enough to hold the saddle in place. Longe the horse to get him used to the weight of the saddle.

7. Tighten the cinch a bit more and slowly put your foot in the stirrup. Stand in the stirrup and then step down. Continue this process until your horse is comfortable and responding without fear, then carefully swing up into the saddle.

8. Introduce your horse to the bit and bridle. Hold the top of the bridle and carefully pull it over the top of his head. Hold the bit in your hand while carefully pulling the bridle on. Guide the bit into the horse's mouth and then fasten the bridle. Use only a snaffle bit when working with young horses--this type of bit provides direct guidance to the horse without being harsh.

9. Carefully mount your horse, then ask him to move out at a walk. Allow him to get used to moving with a rider on his back before moving on to the other gaits. Be sure to work with your green broke horse at least a few minutes a day--consistent work and handling is the best way to teach your horse the skills he will need to master to become a safe and reliable mount.

References

• Less is More: Training Young Horses