How to Tame a Wild Horse

The Bureau of Land Management rounds up hundreds of mustangs annually and sells them at auction in order to keep the wild horse population under control. Taming and training a wild horse is a time-consuming process that requires experience, patience and the right equipment. If wild horses are not tamed properly, they can be very dangerous to handle and ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Round pen
  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Grooming tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your wild horse to get used to the noises and sounds of captivity. If you have just brought your wild horse home, you have to remember that the horse is experiencing everything for the first time and you do not want to overwhelm or frighten it. Watching how the horse reacts to your normal barn activity can tell you a lot about its personality. If the horse is curious about its new environment, you will be able to train it more quickly than you will a horse that reacts with fear to new stimuli.

    • 2

      Introduce stimuli slowly and gradually. Your horse's personality will dictate how quickly you can introduce new basic concepts such as haltering, grooming, leading and tying. The goal is to desensitize your wild horse to new stimuli without frightening it. Make sure to reward your horse for good progress.

    • 3

      Consistently work with your wild horse. Consistent training is essential to taming a wild horse so that you can ride and handle it safely. Have patience as you teach your horse new skills and introduce the horse to new stimuli.