Instructions
Teach the horse to stand and face you when you approach him in the pasture (or pen).
Train him to lower his head into the bridle or halter.
Train him to accept a lead comfortably. He should go through gates without rushing. He should follow without dragging behind, and should walk without crowding you or brushing against you.
Make the horse comfortable with your touch. You should be able to touch him anywhere, including his sensitive nose.
Work with your colt so he will pick up his feet on cue for inspection.
Train the horse to enter and exit a horse trailer calmly. He should, likewise, exit the barn without resistance, being able to leave the company of other horses.
Make sure your colt is not spooked easily by tarps, traffic, rope or other stimuli.
Train your colt to traverse water and other obstacles without resistance.
Teach your colt to respond to cues as to where you want him to go, to what gait he should adopt. Teach him to turn and to lunge. Train his movements by signals and commands.
Train your colt to stand without being tied while being saddled. He should stand patiently (tied or untied) without scraping the ground with his hoof. And he should remain standing with you after you remove the saddle and bridle.
The Best Way to Start a Colt When You Don't Have a Round Pen
Starting a colt is a process that should begin at birth. Having a round pen is not necessary as much of the process begins with proper training and patience. The art of gentle horsemanship is the best way to start your colt. It is also important to be patient. Do not attempt to ride your horse too soon. There's no reason to saddle your horse before he is three or four years old. Consider that his skeleton is still forming until he is six. Take the time to start him gently.