First and foremost - go slow

Find an enclosed area so that he isn't as likely to want to take off, and if he does, he's restricted to where he goes. While saddling him, watch his reaction. Does he act nervous about the saddle? May be he hasn't had as much saddle time as you think he has and just needs a good bit more ground work. When you put the bridle on, take your left rein and pull it around toward the saddle - does he bend his neck and "give" you his head? Then to the right - same thing. And then both reins to the chest should have him give his head down and back. If he doesn't, he hasn't been taught to and that needs to be done before you ever get on.

If everything checks out ok, walk him around or even drive him with two lungelines attached to the bit and run through your stirrups. He should turn and stop on the long lines like he would with you on him. If he doesn't...yep, you guessed it, teach him to before riding.

When you do mount, be sure its smoothly and gently, though not necessarily slow and overly cautious because that could not only make him nervous but could put you suspended in the air for too long a time, giving him time to leave you in the dirt! Insist that he stand still when you mount. If he tries to move off with you before you tell him to, firmly tell him whoa with your voice and hands. If you aren't on yet, step back down, if you are, have him stop and back, dismount and mount again. The idea is not to allow him to reward himself by walking off...he needs to stand still until you are ready to move forward. When you do ask him to move forward, you want to start out walking and make sure all systems are go before asking for more.

And remember - everything you do with him is training, just be sure when you are training that its things you want him to learn
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PH Cody
HorseHobbyist Site Coordinator

Come join our Saturday Night Barn Party from 9-11 also! PHRitters is always ready to party

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