The Stages of Breaking a Horse

Building and maintaining trust between the horse and trainer is one of the most important steps in horse training. An experienced trainer will communicate clear instructions to the horse by giving him cues, resulting in a safe, calm horse. Although there are many riding disciplines, like dressage and classic western, the first stages of training a horse are basically the same.

  1. Groundwork

    • Groundwork takes place in a round pen where the trainer gives the free-roaming horse cues, based on body language and voice commands. The horse shows he is paying attention by keeping his inside eye, the eye facing the inside of the round pen, and ears directed toward the trainer. Additionally, ground training improves the horse's flexibility, balance, muscle tone and stamina, which are necessary for further training.

    Familiarization

    • Young horses are familiarized with riding equipment, like saddles and bridles, by being introduced to the items in a relaxed manner. This allows the horse to feel comfortable with the weight and feel of tack. The trainer will practice mounting and dismounting to accustom the horse to extra weight in the saddle. Finally, the trainer will sit on the horse's back for the first time.

    Understanding Pressure Aids

    • The horse is taught pressure aids which indicate the direction and speed of the desired movement. Pressure aids come from the bit and the rider's legs and seat. The horse practices transitions between the gaits. Additionally, the horse learns to leg-yield, or move sideways away from leg pressure, which will advance into more complex forms of lateral movement.

    Forward Movement

    • Forward movement refers to the impulsion and power with which the horse moves. This requires the horse to build stamina and balance while remaining relaxed. As with all the stages of training a horse, this takes time, patience, consistency and constant encouragement from the trainer whenever the horse shows willingness and effort.

    Rhythm

    • Inexperienced horses need practice and strength to maintain even rhythm gaits. The trainer helps the horse by not interfering with the horse's balance. Additionally, this stage in training familiarizes the trainer with the horse's movement on a deeper level. The trainer will recognize the feeling as each hoof leaves the ground.

    Accepting Contact

    • Contact is the connection between the horse and rider through the bit. The horse is taught to accept the bit, or contact, by encouraging him to stretch his neck down and move into the bit. The rider will hold the bit, through the reins, with a supple hand to encourage trust and acceptance. The movement of the horse's hind legs will reach closer to the center of the horse's balance, relaxing his back and increasing the power of his movement. Accepting contact is the first step toward more advanced movements in many riding disciplines.