A HORSE’S
domestic life is filled with many “firsts.” Saddling up and guiding your prospect into open country is most definitely one of the big ones. It might make you uneasy just thinking about
it. It’s a huge step! What happens when I see deer? Or cows? What if he won’t cross the bridge? What if he jigs and dances all day? What if he bucks, spins or runs off with me? | I’d like to talk about your first ride on the trail and what you can do to make it successful. By focusing on what you can control, it will feel like a natural progression instead of a “sink or swim” scenario. I will give you some advice to keep your young or inexperienced trail mount from building anxiety as he continues to advance.
S T O RY BY S E AN PA T R I C K | P H O T O S BY AL I S HA PA T R I C K
PREPARATION A young horse needs to be started in a way that he becomes respectful, trusting and
hunts the answers early on. I follow a progressive plan that puts the lessons in a proper working order. A well-taught foundation of responses and behaviors is needed to keep you safe and happy on the trail. As respect and trust develop, the young horse learns to fi nd answers with greater
consistency. I want a horse that seeks the answer. With clear requests and encouraging reinforcements, the horse is on the quest for these moments. While teaching a horse, resistance is found in varying degrees. Our job is to show
him exactly what we want and help him through it. T is way, when the gate opens and we head to the trail, I can count on my mount to try. He knows I’ll release. T is type of behavior in a horse changes everything. A young horse will still make mistakes, but is relaxed in looking for the correct response. I want relatively good control over the hips, shoulders and nose. A young prospect
does not have to be perfect, not by any means, but he should be soſt and willing as he is asked to move. Before you head out, go through a checklist of easy pat erns and maneuvers and make sure that you can control those body parts with ease. Let’s say your young horse is doing well with his early learning. You can walk, trot
and lope circles, serpentines and straight lines nicely. He gives to the bit and moves forward well off your leg cues. But, you are tentative to take him on the trail, as you think it will be overwhelming for him. I suggest ponying–leading from horseback– with a quiet, seasoned trail horse. (See “Pony Up: Teach Your Horse to Pony Safely and Confi dently on the Trail,” Trail Blazer, June 2011). T is will allow you to show him some country without the fear of bad reactions. It will also give him a chance to see a new routine minus the added stress of a rider’s wishes. Not only will it help him develop, but you will have a bet er idea as to how he will react with you in the saddle. You might want to pony him more than a few times. When you see him act calmly and he is fi nding his
Once mounted, I ask for Moonshine to stand still for a moment, then before he moves, I politely ask for a walk. I direct his nose toward Carter’s rear end and follow them to the trailhead.
rhythm on the trail, you will gain confi dence in him. However, you may see that he’s not quite ready, telling you more foundation work is needed and the ponying sessions should continue. “Using” horses—ones that work for a living—are oſt en asked to pack light loads for a full season into camps. T is is an ideal way to prepare a young horse for the next step of riding in the backcountry. Again, the routine of it all and the calm demeanor of seasoned horses put a prospect’s mind at ease. Carrying a rider the next year is then a step and not a leap.
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Away from the arena, stalls and equipment, I double-check the girth and secure my lead line to the horn. Moonshine stands well and shows lit le anxiety. My riding partner, Tracy, is already mounted, allowing me to move out at a walk straight away.
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