Where do I begin?

Question
Hello there. We purchased two horses in April They are both rescue horses from a breeding ranch in Idaho and the mare is 4 years old (approximately) and the gelding is 3 years old (approximately) and I want to start training them but I do not know where to begin. The mare is very gentle She is a Shire/Quarterhorse we think and the gelding is just a quarterhorse. He is kindof touchy at times. Anyway, We need to have their feet trimmed soon and I wanted to get them used to being handled. But I don't have the slightest clue where to begin. I have alittle bit of horse sense but I have never trained one from beginning to end. Could you give me a starting point? Thank you for your time. Shelley

Answer
Hi Shelley!

You asked "Could you give me a starting point?"  Yes.  Have the vet out to give them both a through exam and make sure they have been wormed.  As for the farrier coming to see them, yes, that should be 2nd on the list.  Don't worry about you having to get them ready for a trim.  An experienced farrier will know how to handle them.  I would also suggest the vet coming out just prior to the farrier and lightly tranquilizing both horses.  This will insure an incident free trim (that I am sure they sorely need) and then give you 8 weeks to get them prepared for the next trim.

While you have the vet and farrier out to your place, talk to them about recommending a professional trainer who has experience breaking babies in your local area.  You stated quite clearly you have no idea where to begin.  You must seek help.  For your safety and for your horses well-being.  A good heart is not enough when it comes to making a lifelong riding partnership with a horse.  Trust me, you cannot do this by yourself...especially 2 at once!!  It is a long and very complicated process.  It takes at the least 3 months to break a horse well and then another year to reinforce the training and make it stick.

They are completely dependant upon you to make the correct choices for them.  The slaughterhouses are full of ill trained horses, either through abuse or ignorance, it does not matter.

Have a trainer out to evaluate you and your horses and work with them consistently and patiently.  You will be well rewarded with 20 years of a wonderful riding partnership :-)

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange