How to Break 2-Year-Old Horses

When a horse is 2 years of age, it is often much more aggressive and spirited because it is in the prime of its life. During the first year and a half of life, a horse is generally more tentative and mellow because it is still learning basic motor skills and other natural instincts. However, at the 2-year mark, horses will become much more lively and sure of themselves. When training a 2-year-old horse, there are several things that you should do.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle
  • Arena
  • Horse whip
  • Rope
  • Safety gear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work with the horse every day for several weeks. This can be as simple as brushing him every day. Essentially, you need to get the horse used to being handled by you or whoever is going to be breaking him. A horse will respond better to being handled by someone that he knows.

    • 2

      Get the horse used to pressure by placing one index finger on the horse's body and pressing. Continue pressing until the horse moves away. This will teach the horse that pressure requires movement. Do this as many times as it takes for the horse to move away from any pressure.

    • 3

      Run your horse in an arena. With the horse harnessed and with a long horse whip, run him in a circle, tapping him on the hide periodically to keep him moving. If the horse starts to slow down, give him a firmer tap on the rear. The pressure training should help you not have to tap too hard. Do this at least four times per week for several months. Eventually, the horse should not need the whip at all.

    • 4

      Introduce the saddle slowly. Do not just saddle up the horse and hop on. Let him inspect the saddle for a few minutes before trying to saddle him. If the horse has objections, wait for a day or two and try again. Once the horse lets you saddle him, do not mount up but leave the saddle on him while you run him in the arena. After a week or two, you can try mounting him in an enclosed space while he is tied up. The horse will be spirited because of his age and will probably resist at first, so do not try to ride him until you can sit on him for several minutes without him making a fuss.

    • 5

      Have a friend run the horse in the arena while you are on the saddle. This will give the horse a measure of control while you are on him. Eventually, run the horse without the whip while you are on him and use his reins to spur him forward.

    • 6

      Walk the horse around outside for several hours at a time every week. This will get him used to you being on his back. Make sure you wear safety gear and have a friend nearby in case of accidents. Because the horse is still young, you will need to be cautious while riding him at first.