To start a horse under saddle means training it to carry riders on its back.Starting a horse under saddle involves training and conditioning that comes before riding.A horse needs to be comfortable with equipment such as lead ropes, blankets, halters, and the saddle.It should be calm around people and unfamiliar objects.Your horse can begin training to hold you in the saddle when it is ready.
Step 1: Make sure your horse is at least 2 years old.
Young horses are mature and ready to learn.Young horses benefit from low-impact work done in short intervals.Horses can have physical problems if training begins too early.It is best to wait until your horse is at least 2 years old.Further advice can be given to a vet or trainer.Older horses can still be trained as long as they are at least 4 years old.
Step 2: Lead exercises are a good way to teach your horse to listen.
The horse is on a halter and rope.Your horse will learn to respect your space and adjust its speed according to yours if you walk in front of it with the rope.The horse learns at a different pace.It can take weeks or months to learn a new exercise.
Step 3: You should practice exercises to make your horse comfortable.
Touch exercises help horses trust being touched.This is important because horses wear riding equipment on their face and back.Touch your horse with your hands, cloth, or pieces of tack to get it used to it.A way to bond with your horse's owner or trainer is grooming.Gradually touching your horse with a saddle blanket and laying the blanket on its back helps them get used to the weight and feeling.
Step 4: You can train your horse to follow directions.
Stand in the middle of a circle.Use a lead rope and vocal commands to guide your horse around you.Your horse learns how to move from left to right.Circle work prepares your horse to listen to a rider's commands.
Step 5: Continue to train your horse until it's ready for saddle training.
The halter, reins, and lead ropes will help your horse get used to being saddled.It should be comfortable being touched and know how to listen and follow commands.Before going further in training, make sure your horse has good ground manners and interacts well with people.The time spent training depends on the horse.It can take weeks or months to get ready.
Step 6: Someone can help you with the saddle.
If you don't know how to ride tack and a saddle pad, your horse could get stressed.Have someone hold it in place.Your horse will look to you for reassurance, so having someone nearby will help calm it.If your horse gets spooked, don't tie it up.Your helpers should hold it in place.
Step 7: The saddle should be on the back of the horse.
Since you mount your horse on the left side, approach it from that side.Before placing it on its back, remember to rub it with the saddle pad.Let the saddle sit on the pad for 1-2 minutes after heft.If your horse is comfortable, cinch the girth just snug enough to keep it in place.
Step 8: The girth needs to be tightened in intervals.
Positive reinforcement can be given when it accepts the girth.Allow your horse to walk and jog on its own to get used to the saddle.Stay out of the way.It may take several days for your horse to get used to the saddle.Before you mount your horse, make sure he accepts the saddle and is comfortable wearing it.Your horse is comfortable when it doesn't try to remove the saddle with its mouth, flinch when being saddled, or seem jittery when wearing it.
Step 9: Climb in the saddle using a mounting block.
Next to the mounting block, guide your horse.From the block, lean into the saddle with your hands.The horse is used to having weight in the stirrups without moving away if you try this multiple times.Before dismounting your horse, sit calmly in the saddle for a few minutes.Knowing how to mount a horse will help you as a rider and help your horse get used to the sensation.
Step 10: In 10 minutes, dismount from the saddle.
Your horse will get used to being mounted and dismounted.It will be easier to hold the weight of a rider.Don't move and stay in the saddle for a short time.This will build their strength.
Step 11: While in the saddle, begin walking your horse.
To begin walking, squeeze your horse with your legs when you're in the saddle.You can gently tap it if it doesn't start walking.The 30 minutes to 1 hour sessions are the best for your horse's training and health.If your horse does not flinch or resist, it is ready to walk.