new 4 year old horse

Question
I'm buying a 4 year old saddlebred paint in about 2 weeks, she has never been ridden but she is halter broke and stuff, i was wondering how you would recommend that i start to ride her, because i want to start training her as soon as possible but i don't know where to begin or anything is there a special bit i should try?? is there any thing i should do like get her used to a saddle or any exercises i could do with her before actually trying to ride her?? any information will help. thank you :)

Answer
Hi Heaven!  

Starting a horse is an involved process that requires a high level of education on the part of the handler.  Starting a horse by guess can lead to some real problems for both the human and the horse.  Most of the horses that end up at slaughter are due to poor handling and lack of education.  

That being said, there is so much you can do.  I would start by finding someone that can help you in this process so you are able to develop a truly wonder equine partner.  

Start by watching the "Ground Work" DVD by Buck Brannaman and "Back to the Beginning" by Ray Hunt.  These will show you the basics that every horse must know before they can go on to become a Hunter, Reiner, Working Cow Horse, Jumper, Dressage Horse or just a top flight trail horse.  

Look for a horseman or woman that has ridden with Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, Ricky Quinn, Walter Zetel, Martin Black, Bryan Neubert...a teacher that is a qualified and of quality.  It seems that just about anyone can hang out a sign that says "Horse Trainer" and get clients.  Very few of these people are talented and can offer the horse and human a good quality education.  So, do you homework.  You can look on my website and find the links to the teachers I study with.  You can also e-mail me, contact info. is also on my site, and I can help you find someone qualified in your area.

Don't take shortcuts here.  Do the work that will insure you a safe, fun and wonderful experience.  Help turn your 4 year old into a very special saddle horse.  Look at www.Laurelmountainfarms.com  there are lots of pictures and some of the pages take time to load...sorry about that!  You will find links to my teachers and well as contact information for me.  I help find someone in your area.

Starting a new horse is the most fun.  Be patient, find good help and have a wonderful horse!

Smiles!
Denise

Hi Heaven!

Have you had a chance to look at some of the DVD's I suggested?  If so, I'll have a better chance at answering questions because you will have a basis of information to work from.  If you haven't started a horse before, trying to type out the information would be a very thick book!

Ground work is where riding starts.  How your horse halters and leads is the same as riding.  We say that leading your horse is riding from the ground and riding is leading your horse from his back.  If the horse is light and responsive from the ground, he will ride the same way.  

Here is a partial list of some of the things that you need to have going on BEFORE you ever swing a leg over your horse:

Having your horse offer to put the halter on.
Hooking on in the round pen.
Using the lass rope to teach yielding hind and front quarters.
Exposure to the flag, tarp and slicker while walking and standing still, relaxed.
Getting your horse comfortable  with the lass rope on the feet, belly and flanks.
Leading by on the fence.
Backing soft and backing circles.
Getting control of all four feet (walk overs, bridges, tarps, water)
Bending soft and deep.
Following a soft feel, trotting out soft on the lead.

So, I hope you can see why good help might be necessary here.  I start all my horses in a good "D" ring snaffle.  However before the snaffle ever goes into their mouth, I've "bridled" them with the rope first, I have them really comfortable with the flag so I know that tossing up a saddle pad and finally the saddle will not cause trouble.  My horses have seen me from above because I spend time leading them by on the the fence.  They have been exposed to the flag from the fence, as well as the tarp and my slicker.

WHEW!  This is just a start.  I can't see the horse and feel what he may need.  Learning to start horses is an oral tradition passed from master to student.  Books and DVD's can help especially if it is hard to find someone of quality in your area, but it is seldom enough.  Find a clinic to attend.  Ray, Buck and Ricky travel the country to help people just like you with their horses.  It is worth every penny.  Homework, study, reading and becoming a student of the Horse will also help.  

Good Luck, have fun and enjoy the journey!
Smiles, Denise