How to Train Cracker Horses

Many experienced horse people are fond of saying, "It's the heart that makes the horse." This statement is especially true when speaking of the Cracker horse, originally imported from Spain in the 1500s and now the official Florida Heritage horse. The Cracker horse is a versatile and hardy horse, willing to do whatever is asked of it, whether it's competing, trail riding, playing polo or herding cattle. They are also naturally gaited, which means they have additional speeds and ways of moving than the traditional walk, trot and canter of other breeds. Training a Cracker horse is a slow, delicate process of trust-building that will ultimately create a lasting bond between the two of you.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead line
  • Grooming tools
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Longe line
  • Mounting block
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the halter on your horse's head, buckling it securely. Attach a lead line to the halter. Lead your horse around, walking along the left side of the horse. Practice stopping, turning and backing up your horse. Lead your horse with a halter and lead line daily until the horse is comfortable following direction. If the horse seems reluctant, offer vocal encouragement and pull it into a tight circle in your direction. The horse will have to take a step forward to maintain its balance; once you have completed several turns, attempt to lead your horse forward again.

    • 2

      Groom your horse daily with the halter and lead line on. Practice picking up its feet and cleaning them. Once the horse is accustomed to grooming, you may try tying your horse with a rope from each side of an aisle, affixing the rope to either side of the halter, otherwise known as cross-tying. Groom your horse daily for several weeks to get the horse used to being touched and handled.

    • 3
      Put the saddle on slowly so you do not startle the horse.

      Place the saddle pad and then the saddle slowly on the horse's back, with an experienced horse person holding the horse. Buckle or cinch up the girth very slowly, tightening it in increments so as not to upset the horse. Once the girth is securely fastened, lead the horse with the saddle on to let it get accustomed to the sensation. Perform this step over several days, getting the horse used to having a saddle placed on its back.

    • 4

      Put the bridle on your Cracker horse. Fit the bridle to the horse's head. Practice leading your horse by the reins of the bridle.

    • 5

      Place both the bridle and saddle on your horse, and attach a longe line to the bit. Allow your Cracker horse to perform all gaits on the longe circle and get used to the feel of the saddle and bridle. In addition to the walk, trot and canter, the Cracker horse has natural additional ambling gaits, including the flatfoot walk and the running walk. These gaits make the Cracker horse different from other breeds, and while they have the same four footfalls as a normal walk, these gaits are faster and smoother, making the Cracker horse ideal for long rides.

    • 6

      Tack your horse up with the saddle and bridle. Using a mounting block, stand as if you were about to mount up and lean across the saddle, allowing the horse to feel your weight. Once the horse is comfortable, mount your horse. Have an experienced horse person lead you at the walk until your horse is comfortable taking cues from you.