training a young horse

Question
Hi, i have a 2 year old Arabian colt and i am beginning to break him in, i have got him used to the bit and he is fine with me on his back, he is completely comfortable with me as ive had him since he was very young. i am not very familiar with how to sufficiently break in a young horse correctly but i have had many years riding and dealing with horses. my problem is when i mount him he does not know to walk. he simply stands still and doesnt know what to do. i nudge him in the girth but this has no effect. what do you suggest i do to teach him how to walk when i am riding?

Answer
Hello Carly,

A two year old colt is too young to ride.  He should be started at three. Then he learns to work on the lunge line and there he learns his word commands.  When you ride him (at three) use your voice command to walk, follow it up with a squeeze of your legs and if he does not move off, then have someone lead him at a walk until he learns what you want.  If, after he learns to walk and he still wants to stand still, touch him on the shoulder with a small whip.  But, I emphasize, a two year old is too young to either work on a circle or to ride. No matter that horses are raced at two ... it is the best way to break your horse down so that he is lame by age six or seven.  Be patient and wait.

Best regards,
Dorothy