Training Colts, Part 2

© Caryn A. Tate

If you are reading this article, I'm assuming that you've read the first part of this subject, my article "Training Colts Part 1." It gives a good primer to learn more about training your colt as we move forward.

After your colt has become comfortable with lunging, and he's listening to you well and completing the things that you ask him to do, it's time to take another step forward. At this stage, he should of course be halter trained (meaning he's broke to lead) and has now become comfortable with lunging. It's time to start getting him used to the saddle.

What I like to do is get my horse tied to a fence. Always try to tie your horse to the post of a fence; if a horse fights hard enough, he could easily throw his head and break the board from the middle of a fence.

I'd like to make a note here--no matter how gentle your horse is, tie him up when you first go to saddle him. Even the gentlest horse can sometimes be unpredictable, and since horses are so large and powerful, it's better to be safe about these sorts of things.

When you tie your horse up, be sure and have a halter on him, not a bit and bridle. Reins are much easier for a horse to break if he's tied up and decides to throw his head up. Then, after tying him up, spend a little time just talking to him and running your hands along him, calming him. If he seems a little nervous, give him a little more time. Basically, your horse should get the idea that this is not a big deal.

Start with your saddle blanket. The blanket is a nice tool to start with, to get your horse used to the idea of something on his back. It's light and easily moved around. Lift it up gently but naturally onto your horse, moving it around on his back a little bit and on his sides, and after a while move it all over him, under his belly and against his legs once he seems comfortable with the back and sides. This will just help get him used to the feel of something foreign touching him, and teach him that it's nothing to be afraid of.

Be sure and have patience. It may take your horse a while to get used to the situation. It really does pay to have patience with him. Don't try to force him into accepting the saddle. He's got to do it in his own time.

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