How to Train Horses to Ride

A horse is broken to ride at around 3 years of age. Most horses aren't fully developed or sturdy enough to carry a rider until then. However, many techniques can and should be used to educate and prepare a horse for riding training. Ensuring a horse is manageable from the ground will increase the manageability once mounted. Initial training begins as young as a few weeks old and progresses as the horse develops. This includes teaching a horse to obey commands from the ground. Once this is achieved, riding training can begin.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle pad
  • Saddle
  • Bridle with reins
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Instructions

  1. Riding Training Basics

    • 1
      Place a saddle pad or cloth on the horse first.

      Start by placing a saddle pad or other piece of material on and around the horse's body. Rub the horse all over with the material to desensitize him from objects touching or rubbing against it.

    • 2
      Place the saddle over the saddle pad.

      Place a saddle on top of the saddle pad once the horse is relaxed with just the pad. Wait to tighten the cinch until the horse seems comfortable with the weight of the saddle. Gently snug the cinch so that it is secure but not tight. Let the horse relax.

    • 3
      A horse might need several days to overcome a fear of saddles.

      Lead the horse by hand while saddled. Allow the horse to feel the weight and movement of the saddle as it walks around. The horse may jump or spook at the noise or weight of the saddle. It may take several days of repeated saddling and walking to overcome this fear.

    • 4
      Introduce the horse to a bridle.

      Introduce the horse to a bit and bridle. Place the metal bit in the horse's mouth and adjust and secure the bridle by pulling the leather strap through the buckle and latching it. If the horse refuses to take the bit, pour some honey or molasses on it for encouragement.

    • 5
      Lead the horse around while saddled and bridled.

      Lead the horse around bridled and saddled. Let the horse become familiar with both pieces of equipment.

    • 6
      Monitor the horse's reaction before putting all your weight on the horse.

      Walk the horse over to a small circular enclosure. Put a foot in the stirrup and place weight on the horse. Do not fully get on the horse but instead monitor it reaction. If the horse accepts the weight, mount it.

    • 7
      Guide with the reins.

      Ask the horse to move forward by smooching to him or gently squeezing his sides. Guide him along with the reins and use the circled enclosure to reinforce those commands.

    • 8
      Pull on the left rein to go left and the right rein to go right.

      Pull gently on the left rein to circle left and apply right rein pressure to go right. Leg pressure can be added on the same side to encourage the horse to bend around your leg and make a turn.

    • 9
      Use multiple cues to enhance training.

      Teach the horse to stop by pulling back gently on the reins while sitting deep in the saddle and saying "Whoa." Using verbal commands along with physical cues work synergistically to enhance riding training.