In Rhythm with Hilltop - Training - Sporthorse

A: [Tammy] I start them in the spring of their 3-year-old year. I feel most horses are fairly developed by this time. That’s not to say they will not continue to grow.

Q: Where do I start a young horse?

A: [Tammy] I start them in a round pen. This is a smaller area and gives you more control over the horse. It also makes it easier to lunge them later in life. However, if you do not have a round pen available, it is best to have some type of "boundary", which can be in the corner of an arena or pasture.

Q: Do you use leg boots, bell boots, or polo wraps when starting the young horse?

A: [Tammy] Professional Choice boots are great for first starting or just a pair of simple splint boots will do. Bell boots are also good but watch for sores caused by poor fit or dirt. We use polo wraps on all four legs when the horse starts more work.

Q: I have an 8 year old mare that is ground trained perfectly and will walk, but whenever you go to trot she bucks like a bronc for minutes on a lounge line with a saddle or a rider. (The saddle fits perfectly and we have tried tying things to the saddle to get her used to it. As soon as they make a noise or move, she starts to buck violently. She was given to us because she threw her two previous owners while they were trying to train her.) What training techniques can we use or how should we discipline her?

A: [Scott] First of all, please be careful. Obviously this horse needs to be started all over again! Do not get on her until there are no signs of bucking and no signs of fear or confusion in her eyes. I would suggest you start by renting or buying a John Lyons video from your local tack shop. "Round Pen Reasoning" would be a good introduction. These tapes will show you step by step what to do! Take your time and please get more advice if you have any doubts.

Q: My 2 1/2 year old colt likes to stick his tongue out of his mouth and leave it hanging out when I put a snaffle bit in. Any suggestions?

A: [Tammy] It is strange to me that a horse is doing this at such a young age. There are a number of things that you can try:

Loosen or tighten the nose band
Try different bits, go for soft bits, happy mouth (rubber bit), 3 piece french snaffle
Put the bit higher or lower in the mouth
I have had luck with older horses by wrapping the bit with latex tape and pouring molases over it
Try peanut butter, I have heard of this working too

Q: How do you teach a horse to ground tie?

A: [Tammy] Your best source for an answer to this question would be John Lyons materials.

Q: I am having difficulty leading my 18 month old colt; he wants to trot instead of walk. This just started about a month ago. Prior to that, his leading was excellent. Any suggestions?

A: [Tammy] Try doing a lot of halt-walk transitions, changes of directions, and rein back. This will help get his mind back on you. He is probably just going through a testy stage of his life, so get him more focused on you.

Q: I just bought a three year old mare who is in foal and due in April. She is a green horse who will barely even lead. I would appreciate some ideas on how to train her better or the names of some good books on the subject.

A: You do not want to stress her much during her pregnancy, but teaching her good ground mtters now will help you later. Check your local tack shop for some good training books.

Q: Can you suggest how to start breaking my 9 year old mare? Ground work has been done.

A: Use the same technique as you would with starting a young horse. Your local tack shop would have some good videos or books on the subject.

Q: How do you stop a four year old, 2200 pound, Percheron from challenging you in the round pen and get respect from him when all he wants to do is charge you? How do you begin?

A: Your question would be best answered by a trainer such as John Lyons. Check your local tack shop for videos or books on the subject by John Lyons.

Q: I have a 2 1/2 year old male quarter horse who will not cross streams or creeks of any size. He does good on trails until he comes to a creek or stream, then he simply stops and turns the other way. What do you suggest?

A: Have you every tried leading him across? I sometimes do this with young ones. First make sure you establish good leading manners, so he does not jump on you. Take along another horse & rider and have them go over the water first, then follow very close behind. Be sure to have them go very slow and make sure their horse will not kick.

Q: I have started training to ride a seven year old stallion. We have worked on the ground, lead, and pick up feet to clean. When time to take the saddle, he bucks with all he has, violently. He has had the saddle on his back a total of 40 hours. Each time is like he has never seen it before. I left it on him 12 hours straight and he never stopped the fight except for a minute or so to rest. What can I do?

A: You may want to contact someone who has more experience with breaking problems, i.e. John Lyons or look for someone in your area.

Q: I have a Hannoverian yearling that will be two on May 9. Should we take him to a trainer when he turns two? Is this too early?

A: We like to wait till the age of 3 to begin training. This allows for time for their body (bones) to be better developed.

Q: My sister just rescued an 11 month old filly from a farm where her dam was starved. She has been around people and will allow approaches and minimal touching and willingly approaches people for treats. However, when they tried some John Lyons beginning weanling techniques without a halter in a round pen on her, she started rearing and biting at them. Any suggestions on how her training should start?

A: Start slow in a small area where she feels safe, maybe a stall or even out with other horses. Do a little bit each day. Soft rubbing, leading around the stall, and picking out her feet, if safe. Keep adding a little more as you see her progressing.

Q: What age is recommended to start training an Arabian colt? I have been told everything from 3 to 4 1/2 years as Arabians are slow to mature.

A: We start our young Warmblood horses at 3 years of age and they develop slower than Arabians. So, I'm sure it would be fine to start your colt at 3, that way you would be sure his bones are finished growing.

Q: Is 5 years too old to start backing a Saddlebred stallion? He has been well handled and knows the basics.

A: No, you should be just fine. Take your time and handle him in the same way you would a younger horse.

Q: My 3 year old gelding, 1/2 Arab & 1/2 Quarter Horse, will not pick up the right hand lead while riding. He can perform tasks that it takes years to do, but is dead-sided on the right. Any ideas?

A: Can he lunge canter to the right on the correct lead? If so, you may want to strengthen him this way. Check his stifles. Hill work helps strengthen weak stifles. Also, make sure you are staying relaxed and not holding him in any way with your hands or legs.

Q: Would you please tell me the proper way and proper equipment to lunge train a colt?

A: An enclosed area is helpful and you will need a bridle, lunge line, saddle, saddle pad, and girth.

Q: My three year old gelding was broke to ride in October, but hasn't been bothered with through the winter. He just returned home and I took a week off to work with him. He will not accept me as a rider and he won't stop chewing on the bit. What can I do?

A: Don't worry, he has had some time off and just needs time to get used to you. You may want to lunge him first before riding for awhile. He will probably stop the chewing when he relaxes. If you want, you can try wrapping the bit with latex tape.

Q: Can you recommend how to get my 3 year old Quarter Horse to take the bit after having some teeth removed? I can touch her mouth and she practically puts the halter on by herself, but will not open for the bit. It also looks as though she might be getting her wolf teeth, I can feel them in her gums. Could this also be causing the bit refusal? Should I wait till they break through to have them removed?

A: I would find a good dentist and ask them about this. Mouth problems meaning teeth often cause training problems. I would suggest waiting till you have a professional check her.

Q: What can you do to improve the "work ethic" in a young horse? How do you get them to move with "forwardness" if they don't like the leg aid?

A: I like to ride young horses outside on trails with a friend as soon as I feel they are calm with me riding them. This often helps them want to go forward. It's a good idea to have the friend ride in front so they have a leader to trot or canter behind or beside. Use your aids at the same time, they will quickly learn.

Q: How do you teach a young horse not to bolt when it spooks?

A: Try going out hacking or working with another quiet horse. This will give your horse more confidence. Young horses do spook sometimes, you just have to expose them to a lot.

Q: I am having problems getting my horse to stand still when mounting. Is there anything that I can do?

A: It takes a lot of patience and persistence. I like to stand the horse along a wall or fence which gives you a little bit of a corridor. You just have to explain to him that he has to stand. It often takes a lot of patience, but it does work.

Q: How do you teach a very quiet young horse to pick up canter on the lunge without chasing him? He's a young stallion and I literally have to chase him to get him to canter. I haven't touched him with the whip yet and am wondering if a light tap might help.

A: You may need to chase him a little, but then be calm again. If it takes a good tap with the whip, do it. You want him to respect going forward when asked on the ground, this will help when riding.

Q: I am writing a paper on new untraditional training methods like "horse-whispering" and other methods that do not "break the horse's spirit" vs. the old school training methods. My question is what is your expert opinion on one vs. the other. Can you tell me exactly what the traditional training methods include, for example, how would one go about "breaking" a horse?

A: I'm not familiar enough with the untraditional methods to give you a good opinion. Common sense and good horsemanship are what I choose to go by. Keep it simple and basic. Do not complicate it too much. There are many books that can help as well. Klimke has a very good book that I'd recommend.

Q: My question is about bridling my 4 year old, 17H Holsteiner gelding. I slip the reins over his neck, take the halter off to slip the bridle on and he raises his head and simply walks away from me. What am I doing wrong and what do I do to correct it? He's been out of training with a professional for one month after being in training 5 1/2 months.

A: Check his teeth to make sure he is not worried about the bit hurting him. Sometimes at this age they are starting to figure out life is not all fun and games, now it's work. So, I give my young ones incentive by coating their bit with molasses or some sort of yummy stuff. If you are still having trouble, you may want to have your trainer help you.

Q: I've always believed that 7 and 8 year olds were "horses", not fillies or colts, and should be at least green broke by this age. Am I wrong? At what age does owning an untrained "filly" become ridiculous?

A: By 7 or 8 years of age, I would be referring to them as mares, stallions, or geldings. If the mare is being used only for breeding purposes, it is not unheard of for her not to be broke. But, it would be in your best interest to have her broke in case you would ever want to sell her. By age 7 or 8 the horse is fully mature and if she is sound, she can be safely started in some kind of work.

Q: How do you train a horse to stand still while trying to mount up?

A: This takes a lot of patience. I would ask someone to hold your horse for awhile. This will help keep him from walking off. You can also try putting the horse against a wall, so they cannot move from side to side. You may need to do this for awhile being consistent and patient. He will get better.

Q: We recently bought a 3 year old registered paint. He is sweet and has excellent manners on the ground. All three family members have ridden him and he did fine. After two weeks, my wife was thrown and since then he continues to buck sporadically. We sent him to a trainer who concluded he was nuts and told us to sell him as he may hurt someone. Do you have any advice?

A: Was the horse broke before you bought him? If so, I would ask the person who had him before about his behavior. He may have been frightened by something and then when your wife fell, it frightened him more. If so, he is probably a very sensitive horse and will need a lot of time and patience. Go very slow with him and start at the very beginning again, taking your time. You may want to turn him out or lunge him before riding - could be an energy problem. Also, he may be going through a testy stage of life and when in a different environment he was insecure, but now he is coming into himself. You could also have a vet examine him for pain. He could be going through a growing stage and is just uncomfortable. These are just some of the things you could look for and think about. Good luck.

Q: I have backed my 4 year old Thoroughbred, and although he is very calm about the whole process, I don't seem to be able to teach him the concept that leg pressure means go.

A: You may want to try to have someone go riding with you. This will teach him to want to go more forward if you follow behind the other rider. It does take some horses longer than others. Make sure you are not clamping your legs on him. I also find it helpful to use my voice at the same time that I use my leg and you could have someone lead you which will get him forward. As soon as you make any progress, be sure to reward him.

Q: I have a coming 3 year old Appaloosa sporthorse (mostly TB with a little QH) who spent 2 months with a trainer for lunging and breaking with basic work on the gaits. He knows how to do 3 gaits in both directions under saddle (in a loose ring snaffle) and lunging in a large arena (no rails to work off of). Since I have had him (3 months), he refuses to move out faster than walk and will often refuse to move even in a walk under saddle as well and refusing to lunge to the point of having a temper tantrum if I keep after him. I have tried two different saddles as well as bareback in case the problem under saddle was the saddle. I don't have a round pen handy, but he didn't need one before either. A lung whip doesn't help, he is very comfortable with one.

A: You probably should have your vet take a look at him. It sounds strange to me that he was going fine and has now started to really resist. He may be uncomfortable or having pain. You could also speak with your trainer about this problem. It may help since he/she would already be familiar with the horse.

Q: My horse can be led with rider but without being led just keeps backing up. What can I do?

A: You may want to try to ride with another horse, but make sure it is a quiet one. Start by following that horse and remember to use your aids in the same way so he gets used to your signals. When someone is leading you make sure you are asking for everything yourself so the horse is answering you and not the leader or handler.

Q: How do I deal with a shy, stubborn horse that won't let you come near?

A: You may want to keep the horse in a smaller paddock or stall, so he doesn't have as far to get away from you. Approach the horse slowly and think about your body language, moving slowly and quietly. You may even use feed or treats for a while. Don't only catch the horse to give him a shot or work him. This will make him think something bad is going to happen every time you come around. Approach the horse from time to time just to pat him and then walk away.

Q: How do I train my newly broke horse to neck rein?

A: This is a question for a Western trainer, sorry, but I can only help you with Dressage. Try looking for some material in the Equerry Bookstore that might help you.

Q: I have a 3 year old Thoroughbred filly just broken. What is the next step?

A: Give her a variety of work, but don't work her long. Just short work-outs to keep her happy. Trail rides, working with other horses, caviletti work, and maybe taking her away are all good things.

Q: I have a yearling Arab x Saddlebred stallion who thinks he can go through or over any solid object. He respects electric fence, but when I try to work him in the round pen, he tries to get out. This is a crash waiting to happen, he pushes the panels out and forms a corner making it awkward to drive him away from the fence. I don't want him to injure himself. He is quiet on the lead or in the pasture. Any suggestions?

A: I don't have a good solution for you, but I would recommend asking someone like John Lyons. I would also be very interested in his response.

Q: How do I deal with an energetic 3 year old gelding that constantly turns on me and rears while being lunged. Training started at 2 1/2, but discontinued over the winter due to extremely wet conditions. Rearing has always been a problem, even when walking to and from pasture. Friendly, low attention span, festive, and in excellent health.

A: You may want to check into his feed, he may be getting more energy from it than he needs. My suggestion to you would be to carry a whip with you to and from the pasture. When he rears, hit him hard right below the knees. This may help get his respect. Make him do lots of transitions to keep his attention on you. You always want to have a good lunge whip while lunging him. Do not be afraid to really smack him from coming at you, this is very dangerous. Try to turn the horse out as much as possible.

Q: What can I do with a head shy, rearing, and striking yearling stud colt? Gelding is not out of the question if it can't be stopped.

A: I would suggest carrying a whip with you and hit him hard below the knees when he rears. The head shying will take time of just going slow and doing a little bit each day.

Q: How do I correct (besides shouting NO) my 4 year old gelding who lightly bucks and kicks out whenever he canters?

A: There are couple of different things you can try. Try riding the horse more forward when he does it or bring him to a halt. Check to make sure your leg is not sliding back when you are cantering making him react. Also, make sure you are not holding him in the mouth. Turnout or lunging before you ride may help if it is an energy problem.

Q: My greenbroke 5 year old mare will come at me at a trot with her head swinging around and some rearing up. When I swoosh her away, she kicks back. How can I get her to stop?

A: Carry a long lunge whip and really smack her hard with it. This is dangerous and has to stop.

Q: We own a 2 year old straight Egyptian Arabian, 14.2H, 850 lbs. When can you start basic breaking work like riding in the round pen, etc.? Is it different for Arabians?

A: Arabians mature early, so you should be able to begin light work.

Q: I am working with a horse who was an abused case. When I round pen him he will not take any slow down cues. When I take the pressure off and step to the shoulder he continues to move at the same speed, even running through the lunge whip. Any ideas?

A: This is a good question for John Lyons' expertise. You should try contacting him.

Q: I need advice regarding techniques to make my horse stand still in the cross-ties instead of raising her head and trying to back away. Advice and/or books would be helpful.

A: You may want to use just one tie for awhile to get her adjusted. It takes lots of time, consistency, and patience, but she will learn to stand.

Q: I have a Mar 2000 APHA filly that seems to "pace" when she trots. Both legs on same side of body move together giving her a "pacing" trot, much like the way a Paso Fino trots. Will she correct herself as time goes on or is there something that should be done? Is this what they call shuffling?

A: I'm not an expert in this area (development of foals), but I believe she should grow out of it.

Q: What "natural" training is best?

A: This is a difficult question to answer. There are so many different ways and each horse is different and reacts differently to training. It would be much easier for you to research some articles and books on natural training methods and pick and choose what you would like to try.

Q: What are some methods to discourage a young horse in training from rearing?

A: You want to ride him forward. Forward energy makes it hard to rear. Keep up interest, try doing different things like cavaletti or jumping. Ride in different areas - trail rides are good. Sometimes your horse just gets bored.

Q: What age is appropriate to start lunge work? I have a two year old WB that is already 15.3 and very developed. Would it be all right to start to introduce principles in short sessions, on large circles, straight lines?

A: You can start with very short sessions and large circles. We don't start our horses until they are three and still do a little on lunge as necessary. Your horse is still developing so excessive stress is not good.

Q: I have a BLM burro. Can the same techniques, including round pen ground training, used with colts be applied to a burro?

A: I would think so, but I have no experience with burros.

Q: How do I get a horse to submit (break) if it is always trying to kick and bite you? Then after you stop pushing her, she becomes friendly again.

A: You may want to try and read John Lyons' book on starting young horse. This may be of some help.

Q: How do I make a 3 year old be more supple and giving so it won't take off anymore and easier to handle for a 9 year old girl?

A: This is a hard question to answer. I think you may want to find a good professional trainer in your area to help with the training because of the age of both girl and horse. You do not want either to be hurt or scared.

Q: How do I make my horse back up faster?

A: Be careful and have a good horseman help you. Have him/her stand in front of you with a whip and when you are asking, have the person tap the horse on the front legs. You may want to start this yourself while off the horse if you think it may be a problem.

Q: I am currently working with a horse that has not been ridden in quite awhile. In fact, his caretaker believes that he is no longer saddle broken. What can I do to retrain him? He'll accept the saddle but not he rider.

A: I would start this horse as if he has never been broke. This way you will both be safe. It will also reconfirm the basics and give you time to get to know each other.

Q: I have a 17H, 1500 lb. gelding Quarter horse that will be 3 in May of 2000. I have been riding him since he was 2. He is an all-around good horse, but has his moments. When I try to lunge him, all he wants to do is come to me. If he has a rider while lunging, he does what I ask. How can I teach him to lunge without a rider?

A: You may want to have a second person on the ground to help you keep him out. You stay in one place while the other person stays closer to the horse to keep him from coming in.

Q: Around July of 1999 I started ground working an Arabian mare that will be 3 years old in December of 1999 and she is doing very well. She allows me to drape myself over her (almost goes to sleep with me on her), but when asked to take a few steps, she'll bolt, buck, duck, etc. Does this mean she "isn't ready" for a rider or is this not normal?

A: She sounds ready. She is just having trouble adjusting to carrying your weight. Have you lunged her with a saddle? You may want to try side reins which gives a different pressure on the back. These ideas will help get her used to pressure on her back and ready for you. If this does not work, try reading John Lyons book on Starting Young Horses Under Saddle. It may be a fear thing for her and some of his ideas may work.

Q: I want to train my draft cross baby to do eventing/ct. He lets you pick up his feet, lead, go in wide circles (not lunging), and tie, and will w/t over ground poles, he goes in trailers, etc. He is 5 months and will be gelded next month. I want to know what to do to get him prepared for 3 day eventing/ct and halter.

A: It sounds as if you are doing plenty all ready. Keep doing what you are doing. He is going to be a big horse and needs time to develop. We do not even start our young ones until three years of age and large ones until four. You have plenty of time so relax and enjoy him.

Q: We adopted a 4 1/2 month old quarter horse a month ago. She has started to charge and kick when she does not want to do something you want her to do. She is doing well in halter training and leading, but started this behavior. We do not want to hit her. What do you recommend?

A: This is very serious behavior and must be addressed immediately. It is normal for young horses to push their boundaries, but this is the time you must establish that you are in control so you do not get hurt as your horse gets older, bigger, and stronger. If she charges or kicks at you, you may have to hit her. Never hit her in the head and make your correction immediate. Just as with a child or dog, your filly will not understand why she is being hit if it occurs after the bad behavior. I suggest watching some of the John Lyons videos on ground work and round pen handling to learn effective tools of capturing her attention and keeping her attitude willing. There are also a number of excellent books in the Equerry bookstore. Search for natural horsemanship and training young horses. Good luck.

Q: How do I get my horse to trot? She is a four year old mare.

A: The trot is a natural gait for most horses (except gaited breeds such as Missouri Foxtrotters and Paso Finos) where the legs move in a diagonal pair creating a two-beat rhythm. I am not quite sure what your question is, but with more information I would be happy to give you more feedback. Are you wondering the aids for the trot while riding, when leading, lunging? What breed is your horse, is she broke to ride, and how long have you owned her?