What should a horse that has never been ridden know before you ride it?

Basic Training

* Halter training: The horse should be comfortable wearing a halter and lead rope. It should follow you when you lead it and stop when you stop.

* Grooming: The horse should be comfortable being groomed all over its body.

* Foot care: The horse should be comfortable having its feet picked up and trimmed.

* Dental care: The horse should be comfortable having its teeth floated.

* Trailer loading: The horse should be comfortable loading into and unloading from a trailer.

Groundwork

* Backing up: The horse should be able to back up straight when asked.

* Turning: The horse should be able to turn left and right when asked.

* Yielding: The horse should be able to move sideways when asked.

* Stopping: The horse should be able to stop when asked.

Under-Saddle Training

* Mounting and dismounting: The horse should stand still while you mount and dismount.

* Walking: The horse should walk at a consistent pace when asked.

* Trotting: The horse should trot at a consistent pace when asked.

* Cantering: The horse should canter at a consistent pace when asked.

* Stopping: The horse should stop when asked.

Other Considerations

* Temperament: The horse should have a calm and gentle temperament.

* Health: The horse should be healthy and free of any conditions that would make it unsafe to ride.

* Age: The horse should be at least 3 years old before it is ridden.

It is important to remember that every horse is an individual and may learn at a different pace. Be patient and consistent with your training, and your horse will eventually learn everything it needs to know.