glenatron | Riding youngstock (Reply)

A few things I've got this week about riding and working with colts, perhaps more for my reference than anyone else's...

You don't have to take things slowly, but you need to be smooth.
When saddling and adjusting cinches stand at the horse's shoulder with your feet facing backwards- this is the place where it is hardest for the horse to kick you and least harmful if they do. To work cinches bend, don't squat.
When putting the saddle and saddlecloth on, stand at the horse's shoulder facing backwards as described above. There must be no space between you and the horse's shoulder because a horse is much more likely to move away from an object they see being moved towards them.
The saddle swings on at an angle such that as it is swung on to the horse's back the side of the saddle will swing just above the horse's quarters. It doesn't need to swing high but it does need enough force in the swing to carry it clear over the horse's back. Done right the swing will lose momentum above the horse and you can settle it down easily.
When the saddle is on double-check the saddlecloth and pick it up off the wither if necessary.
On the first ride, off the lead, you'll be using the halter. Keep the horse turning, throwing the rope over the horse's head as it approaches straight. Do not give the horse any time going straight- keep giving them something to do. When asking them to circle left or right remember to use your weight.
When you start riding off the bit keep the halter on. If anything happens that makes the horse anxious pull on the halter if you have to- do not pull on the bit; if the horse is already worried and you are pulling on them this will probably make matters worse.
To turn with the bit make sure you move the rein wide and close to the bit. The horse doesn't need to be bending, you just need them to have give you their head. If they aren't moving then wait a little and if necessary do something to put a bit more energy in their feet. Don't up the pressure on the rein- if they haven't understood 10 lbs of pressure, 20lbs of pressure will only make it worse.
Turning from the bit initially, lean right forward on the outside of the turn until you can ask with your hand level with the horse's ear- very often pressure on the bars will make them a little concerned and by taking the rein from that angle you will avoid that. Having the weight on the outside means that they will be more able to turn easily.