How to Saddle Break a Pony

Most every pony will reach a point in life where a saddle and rider are introduced. This process is still referred to by some riders as "saddle breaking." Other terms used for the same process are "putting under saddle," "saddle training" or "colt-starting." The speed of a young pony's progress depends on the pony's temperament, how often the pony is worked, and the amount of handling and training the pony has experienced before, but generally saddle breaking lasts from a few days to a month.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle with snaffle bit or bosal, or a side-pull
  • Saddle with stirrups, girth and pad
  • Assistant
  • Enclosed area with no holes or protruding objects
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Instructions

  1. Introducing a Rider

    • 1

      Prepare your pony by working on the ground first with the pony's training tack and saddle on. Work with stirrups down so your pony gets used to stirrups flapping around (as recommended in the Lost World Farms article below). You want to make sure that your pony's mindset will be conducive to a positive (and hopefully painless) experience. Ponies that are bucking, kicking out or striking, inattentive and/or bolting should only work on exercises you have taught previously, and you should save introducing a rider for another day.

    • 2

      Take off the groundwork equipment when you think your pony is ready to move on, leaving only your riding tack on. You'll want to take the equipment you've removed out of the area so that you don't risk stepping on the objects.

    • 3

      Take the slack out of reins and grab a chunk of mane as though you were getting ready to mount and grasp your stirrup, but don't mount yet. Instead, pull on the mane and put weight on the stirrup to get your pony used to the feeling. Move with him if he moves, but don't punish him. When he quiets down, move around to the other side and repeat the process.

    • 4

      Have your assistant hold the pony on the pony's right side and put pressure on that stirrup. Step in the stirrup on the left side and just stand in it (place one hand on the saddle to keep your balance). Praise your pony as you stand there for a few seconds, then place both hands on the saddle, take your foot out of the stirrup and let your body drop down. Drop down earlier if your pony starts to act up. Repeat until the pony accepts your weight.

    • 5

      Repeat step four, then turn so that you can sit in a sidesaddle position on the pony (remember to take your foot out of the stirrup as you do this so that if there are problems you can just slide off). As the pony accepts this, your assistant can start leading the pony around the enclosure. Not all trainers use this step in the process, but the authors of "Basic Horse Training: English and Western" recommend it because it is easy to slide down if the horse acts up.

    • 6

      Mount normally when the pony is quiet, being especially careful about not hitting the pony with your leg or feet as you're mounting and sitting down gently when you're on the pony. Your assistant will again lead your pony forward. Gradually you can give your voice cues to ask the pony to walk and stop, with your assistant there only to correct if your pony doesn't respond.

    • 7

      Lunge the pony with a rider on him the way you normally lunge. If you are the more experienced trainer, your assistant can be the rider, but if not, you can remain the rider.

    • 8

      Ride the pony without the assistant's help, though your assistant should remain in the enclosure in case of problems. Use your vocal cues at first, and gradually introduce your leg and rein signals.