Horse Breaking Techniques

Training horses can be very satisfying and very challenging. These animals are large, strong, and can be dangerous if not handled properly and with knowledge and respect. There are many techniques out there for training, or "breaking," horses. This article will go over some of the basic training methods used to "break" a horse.

  1. Groundwork

    • The first, and most successful, technique of training horses involves training them to accept the saddle, bridle, and learn command--all while working with them on the ground. This utilizes a longe line or a round pen, and equipment such as a longe line, surcingle, whip, cavesson, side-reins, and various other pieces of equipment. This technique requires more time and patience, but ultimately delivers a horse that is more prepared for a rider and better behaved all the way around. As stated in the article, "Groundwork Training - beginning your horses Education...", at LocalRiding.com, groundwork as a training method is "ongoing, from the second you take your horse out of the stable to when you return to the stable or you turn your horse out". This kind of training is the key to a steady and successful horse.

    Horse Whispering

    • A popular method in today's world is the "Natural Horseman" or the "Horse Whisperer". This is where the unbroken horse is taken into a round pen and worked with for many hours. During this time it is saddled, bridled, and ridden, using techniques that work with its instinct rather than against it. Although this is wildly popular at the moment, unless repeated daily, its effects are short lived. David Ellis, Premier Instructor for Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship, said in his 2001 interview with Horse Preview Magazine that, "People can see results within a few hours, but like learning a new language, the time it takes to get proficient depends on the time you put in."

    Breakin'

    • The old-fashioned way is referred to as "breaking" a horse, and in the old days, it means breaking the horse's spirit. A horse is roped, choked, thrown, tied, saddled while tied up, then released and chased. Once exhausted, a rider mounts and rides what was left of the horse's fighting instinct out in a corral or round pen. Once the horse is utterly exhausted, it accepts the rider and learns to give to basic aids. This is a cruel method that teaches horses to fear humans rather than trust them.