Difference between revisions of "Break a Horse"
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In general, a horse's loyalty greatly depends on the type of training or breaking that it receives. Horses that are broken to follow their leader out of respect are much more enjoyable than those that follow out of fear. Follow these tips to build a bond of trust with your horse as you break it. | In general, a horse's loyalty greatly depends on the type of training or breaking that it receives. Horses that are broken to follow their leader out of respect are much more enjoyable than those that follow out of fear. Follow these tips to build a bond of trust with your horse as you break it. | ||
| − | [[Category:Horse Training]] | + | [[Category: Horse Training]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Getting Started=== | ===Getting Started=== | ||
#Gain the trust of your horse. Having a personal relationship with your horse is imperative in building trust with him, leading to training later on. Spend time with your horse everyday, starting with just being near him and [[Groom-a-Horse|grooming]] him. Grooming helps connect you with the horse and forms a bond between the two of you. Work around him in the pasture, giving him time to build confidence in you. Talk to him and reassure him if he is spooked by something. | #Gain the trust of your horse. Having a personal relationship with your horse is imperative in building trust with him, leading to training later on. Spend time with your horse everyday, starting with just being near him and [[Groom-a-Horse|grooming]] him. Grooming helps connect you with the horse and forms a bond between the two of you. Work around him in the pasture, giving him time to build confidence in you. Talk to him and reassure him if he is spooked by something. | ||
| − | #*Horses are prey animals, so they get spooked easily. If your horse hasn't grown up around people, he may be scared of people.<ref>http://www.how-to-train-a-horse.org/</ref> | + | #*Horses are prey animals, so they get spooked easily. If your horse hasn't grown up around people, he may be scared of people.<ref name="rf1">http://www.how-to-train-a-horse.org/</ref> |
#*If you have a foal or horse too young to be trained, go ahead and start getting the horse used to people and gaining his trust. | #*If you have a foal or horse too young to be trained, go ahead and start getting the horse used to people and gaining his trust. | ||
#*You should spend a significant amount of time gaining the horse's trust before starting to train him. | #*You should spend a significant amount of time gaining the horse's trust before starting to train him. | ||
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#*Talk to your horse when you are out of his eyesight. This helps him know where you are. | #*Talk to your horse when you are out of his eyesight. This helps him know where you are. | ||
#*Don't walk behind your horse. Also don't stand directly in front of your horse. | #*Don't walk behind your horse. Also don't stand directly in front of your horse. | ||
| − | #*Don't kneel or sit around your horse. When working on hooves, bend down to work instead of squatting.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/horse-behavior/training-your-horse</ref> | + | #*Don't kneel or sit around your horse. When working on hooves, bend down to work instead of squatting.<ref name="rf2">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/horse-behavior/training-your-horse</ref> |
| − | #Take it one step at a time. Breaking a horse is a slow process. You have to fully make each step a habit before moving on to the next step. When you are training the horse, each new concept you introduce needs to build off what you have just taught him. Remember, you want the horse to fully develop a habit because otherwise, he won't be fully trained.<ref | + | #Take it one step at a time. Breaking a horse is a slow process. You have to fully make each step a habit before moving on to the next step. When you are training the horse, each new concept you introduce needs to build off what you have just taught him. Remember, you want the horse to fully develop a habit because otherwise, he won't be fully trained.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Never give up. Some steps may be easier than others for your horse. Breaking the horse is a big commitment. | #*Never give up. Some steps may be easier than others for your horse. Breaking the horse is a big commitment. | ||
#*End each lesson on a success. Even if it's just a little bit of progress, like the horse letting you get the halter near its face, always end on a good note. | #*End each lesson on a success. Even if it's just a little bit of progress, like the horse letting you get the halter near its face, always end on a good note. | ||
| − | #Never get angry at the horse. Never scream at the horse, hit him, throw things, or act aggressively. This could scare the horse and break any trust you have built. Talk to the horse in a calm, low tone.<ref | + | #Never get angry at the horse. Never scream at the horse, hit him, throw things, or act aggressively. This could scare the horse and break any trust you have built. Talk to the horse in a calm, low tone.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*If the horse disobeys you, correct it in a calm manner without showing aggression. Try using a "shh" sound to let the horse know he is doing something wrong.<ref>http://www.horsewhisperer.com/tips.htm</ref> | + | #*If the horse disobeys you, correct it in a calm manner without showing aggression. Try using a "shh" sound to let the horse know he is doing something wrong.<ref name="rf3">http://www.horsewhisperer.com/tips.htm</ref> |
#Reward the horse for successes. Giving the horse positive reinforcement helps train the horse to do what you want. This includes giving him treats or stroking him. You can also use negative reinforcement. This includes a finger push or whip tap, if the horse isn't afraid of that. You can also try light lead, rein, or leg pressure. | #Reward the horse for successes. Giving the horse positive reinforcement helps train the horse to do what you want. This includes giving him treats or stroking him. You can also use negative reinforcement. This includes a finger push or whip tap, if the horse isn't afraid of that. You can also try light lead, rein, or leg pressure. | ||
| − | #*Never use negative reinforcement as a frightening or painful motion. They should be consistent and steady, not abrupt. Continue holding the negative reinforcement move until the horse corrects himself. Stop immediately after the horse does the right thing.<ref | + | #*Never use negative reinforcement as a frightening or painful motion. They should be consistent and steady, not abrupt. Continue holding the negative reinforcement move until the horse corrects himself. Stop immediately after the horse does the right thing.<ref name="rf2" /> |
===Halter Breaking the Horse=== | ===Halter Breaking the Horse=== | ||
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#*Leave the halter on for a few days after you finally get it on. | #*Leave the halter on for a few days after you finally get it on. | ||
#Introduce the bridle. Start by introducing the bridle to the horse along with the halter. Rub the bridle all over the horse's face gently. Try to get the horse to open its mouth for the bit. Be very gentle. | #Introduce the bridle. Start by introducing the bridle to the horse along with the halter. Rub the bridle all over the horse's face gently. Try to get the horse to open its mouth for the bit. Be very gentle. | ||
| − | #Add the bit. In addition to halter breaking the horse, you will also have to break the horse into using the bit. Slowly introduce the bit into the horses' mouth. At first, only do this for a few minutes. Slowly build up to having the bit in the mouth for longer.<ref>http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/horse-training-young.shtml</ref> | + | #Add the bit. In addition to halter breaking the horse, you will also have to break the horse into using the bit. Slowly introduce the bit into the horses' mouth. At first, only do this for a few minutes. Slowly build up to having the bit in the mouth for longer.<ref name="rf4">http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/horse-training-young.shtml</ref> |
| − | #*Adding a layer of molasses to the bit can help encourage the horse to put it in his mouth and make it more enjoyable.<ref | + | #*Adding a layer of molasses to the bit can help encourage the horse to put it in his mouth and make it more enjoyable.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Put the ear pieces on. Once the bit is in the horse's mouth without the horse fighting you, put the ear pieces over the ears. Do not fasten the straps yet. | #Put the ear pieces on. Once the bit is in the horse's mouth without the horse fighting you, put the ear pieces over the ears. Do not fasten the straps yet. | ||
#*Gradually work your way up to fastening the straps. Remember to let the horse get used to the feel of the bridle on its head and ears. | #*Gradually work your way up to fastening the straps. Remember to let the horse get used to the feel of the bridle on its head and ears. | ||
=== Teaching the Horse to Longe/Lunge ===<!-- Spellchecking crew, this term is correct for both spellings, it's horsey folk talk, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longeing --> | === Teaching the Horse to Longe/Lunge ===<!-- Spellchecking crew, this term is correct for both spellings, it's horsey folk talk, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longeing --> | ||
| − | #Understand how to longe. [[Lunge | + | #Understand how to longe. [[Lunge a Horse|Longing]], or training with a rope, lets you lead a horse around an arena as you train it. When longing, make sure to use the largest circle you can. Circles that are too small can hurt the horse's legs, ligaments, and tendons. Make sure your circle has a minimum diameter of 60 feet. |
#*As you start training the horse to longe, don't do it longer than 10 minutes in each direction. Build the horse up for longer sessions, because long periods of longeing can put a lot of strain on a horse's body. Longing should take around 15 to 20 minutes total. | #*As you start training the horse to longe, don't do it longer than 10 minutes in each direction. Build the horse up for longer sessions, because long periods of longeing can put a lot of strain on a horse's body. Longing should take around 15 to 20 minutes total. | ||
#Train the horse from the ground. Before attempting to mount the animal, it is important to gain its trust with ground breaking. Attach a lunge line to the horse's halter. | #Train the horse from the ground. Before attempting to mount the animal, it is important to gain its trust with ground breaking. Attach a lunge line to the horse's halter. | ||
#Make the longe line comfortable in the horse's mouth. If you hit the bit abruptly, you can make the horse uncomfortable. Making the horse's mouth uncomfortable or painful will make the horse fear longeing. | #Make the longe line comfortable in the horse's mouth. If you hit the bit abruptly, you can make the horse uncomfortable. Making the horse's mouth uncomfortable or painful will make the horse fear longeing. | ||
| − | #*Move your body with your horse so that the longe line has a steady contact. The horse will eventually accept this contact and walk in a circle to maintain that contact instead of pushing and pulling away.<ref>http://www.successful-horse-training-and-care.com/longeing.html</ref> | + | #*Move your body with your horse so that the longe line has a steady contact. The horse will eventually accept this contact and walk in a circle to maintain that contact instead of pushing and pulling away.<ref name="rf5">http://www.successful-horse-training-and-care.com/longeing.html</ref> |
#Longe/lunge your horse. Longeing a horse is the process of showing leadership through working them in an arena. Spend time at least once daily longeing your horse. Use your body language to direct and speed them up. Eventually, build up the speed and intensity of longeing, until they can do a full canter, all while listening to your cues. | #Longe/lunge your horse. Longeing a horse is the process of showing leadership through working them in an arena. Spend time at least once daily longeing your horse. Use your body language to direct and speed them up. Eventually, build up the speed and intensity of longeing, until they can do a full canter, all while listening to your cues. | ||
#*You may want to have a second horse person stand behind you or otherwise near you as you longe, moving with you. Whenever your horse tries to turn inwards, have them walk towards it until it returns to its circle. | #*You may want to have a second horse person stand behind you or otherwise near you as you longe, moving with you. Whenever your horse tries to turn inwards, have them walk towards it until it returns to its circle. | ||
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#*Longeing is a trust exercise; every time your horse does as you ask, break eye contact and release the pressure you're applying. | #*Longeing is a trust exercise; every time your horse does as you ask, break eye contact and release the pressure you're applying. | ||
#Train the horse to follow your commands. Teach the horse to properly walk beside you while leading it with a lead rope. As the horse moves in the circle around you, you need to teach it voice commands. Introduce the horse to the words: "halt," "stand," "walk," and "back." Make sure that you train the horse to understand "halt" and "walk" before doing anything else. Then, you can start introducing them to other faster commands, like "trot." | #Train the horse to follow your commands. Teach the horse to properly walk beside you while leading it with a lead rope. As the horse moves in the circle around you, you need to teach it voice commands. Introduce the horse to the words: "halt," "stand," "walk," and "back." Make sure that you train the horse to understand "halt" and "walk" before doing anything else. Then, you can start introducing them to other faster commands, like "trot." | ||
| − | #*Try using "wait" instead of "halt." The words "halt" and "trot" can sound very similar, and might confuse some horses.<ref>http://www.equiworld.net/uk/training/horse/breaking.htm</ref> | + | #*Try using "wait" instead of "halt." The words "halt" and "trot" can sound very similar, and might confuse some horses.<ref name="rf6">http://www.equiworld.net/uk/training/horse/breaking.htm</ref> |
#**"Woah" should be reserved for riding, to tell the horse to slow under saddle. | #**"Woah" should be reserved for riding, to tell the horse to slow under saddle. | ||
#Teach the horse to respect your space. Horses will test you when you are lead training them. They may try to shoulder you out of their space to see who the leader is. You must assert that you are the leader. When the horse moves too close to you, place pressure on the horse's ribs about a foot behind the shoulder. This is where the lead horse in a herd would discipline the horse. The horse will move sideways and give you space. | #Teach the horse to respect your space. Horses will test you when you are lead training them. They may try to shoulder you out of their space to see who the leader is. You must assert that you are the leader. When the horse moves too close to you, place pressure on the horse's ribs about a foot behind the shoulder. This is where the lead horse in a herd would discipline the horse. The horse will move sideways and give you space. | ||
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===Saddle Breaking a Horse=== | ===Saddle Breaking a Horse=== | ||
#Introduce the saddle. A horse must become familiar with the weight and sound of a saddle on its back. Just like with a halter and bit, spend a few days getting the horse used to the sound of the saddle, how it smells, and how it looks. | #Introduce the saddle. A horse must become familiar with the weight and sound of a saddle on its back. Just like with a halter and bit, spend a few days getting the horse used to the sound of the saddle, how it smells, and how it looks. | ||
| − | #*After the horse is used to the sight of it, hold the saddle over the horse's back without touching.<ref | + | #*After the horse is used to the sight of it, hold the saddle over the horse's back without touching.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Place the saddle pad (English) or saddle blanket (Western) on the horse. After the horse has gotten used to the saddle, place the saddle pad/blanket on the horse's back. Leave it on for just a few minutes. Then, if the horse responds well, take it off. Repeat several times. Do this on both sides so the horse gets used to you doing this from both sides. | #Place the saddle pad (English) or saddle blanket (Western) on the horse. After the horse has gotten used to the saddle, place the saddle pad/blanket on the horse's back. Leave it on for just a few minutes. Then, if the horse responds well, take it off. Repeat several times. Do this on both sides so the horse gets used to you doing this from both sides. | ||
#*If the horse becomes very frightened, more than is controllable, quickly remove the saddle pad/blanket and start again when it's less stressed. | #*If the horse becomes very frightened, more than is controllable, quickly remove the saddle pad/blanket and start again when it's less stressed. | ||
#*Whether English or Western, if the horse's saddle fits less than perfectly, and you plan on showing it or otherwise want it to look 'prettier', you may want to introduce both, as a saddle blanket provides little comfort for the horse, but is available in pretty patterns and colors, while a saddle pad provides comfort (hence 'pad'), but is not as pretty. If the saddle fits perfectly, the saddle pad is optional. | #*Whether English or Western, if the horse's saddle fits less than perfectly, and you plan on showing it or otherwise want it to look 'prettier', you may want to introduce both, as a saddle blanket provides little comfort for the horse, but is available in pretty patterns and colors, while a saddle pad provides comfort (hence 'pad'), but is not as pretty. If the saddle fits perfectly, the saddle pad is optional. | ||
| − | #Place the saddle on the horse. Slowly introduce the saddle onto the horse. Make sure to give the horse a lot of reassurance by talking to it and stroking it.<ref | + | #Place the saddle on the horse. Slowly introduce the saddle onto the horse. Make sure to give the horse a lot of reassurance by talking to it and stroking it.<ref name="rf4" /> Leave it on for a few minutes, then remove it. Do this from both sides of the horse. |
#*Make sure you remove the stirrups and leathers while saddle breaking a horse. | #*Make sure you remove the stirrups and leathers while saddle breaking a horse. | ||
#Fasten the girth on the horse. Do this very slowly. Tighten the girth little by little each day, especially if the horse seems skittish. If the horse seems too scared, stop and keep getting it acclimated to the tack. | #Fasten the girth on the horse. Do this very slowly. Tighten the girth little by little each day, especially if the horse seems skittish. If the horse seems too scared, stop and keep getting it acclimated to the tack. | ||
#*When your horse allows the girth to be tightened all the way, lean gently on the horse's back. | #*When your horse allows the girth to be tightened all the way, lean gently on the horse's back. | ||
| − | #Get the horse used to stirrups. Next, longe with the saddle on and the stirrups down. This helps the horse get used to things by his sides and legs.<ref>http://www.dressage-connection.com/dressage_article_younghorse.html</ref> Also start placing the leathers back onto the saddle. | + | #Get the horse used to stirrups. Next, longe with the saddle on and the stirrups down. This helps the horse get used to things by his sides and legs.<ref name="rf7">http://www.dressage-connection.com/dressage_article_younghorse.html</ref> Also start placing the leathers back onto the saddle. |
| − | #*Do this slowly. Only introduce one new element at a time. Let the horse lose his fear of the item before introducing him to something new.<ref | + | #*Do this slowly. Only introduce one new element at a time. Let the horse lose his fear of the item before introducing him to something new.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Longe with the saddle. When the horse can wear the saddle for longer periods, start longeing around the arena with the saddle in place. | #Longe with the saddle. When the horse can wear the saddle for longer periods, start longeing around the arena with the saddle in place. | ||
===Training the Horse to Be Mounted=== | ===Training the Horse to Be Mounted=== | ||
#Prepare the horse for your mount. Until this point, the horse has likely only seen you at or below eye level. Move the horse near a fence post crossing. Climb up on the post and stand at a height so that you are above the horse's head. | #Prepare the horse for your mount. Until this point, the horse has likely only seen you at or below eye level. Move the horse near a fence post crossing. Climb up on the post and stand at a height so that you are above the horse's head. | ||
| − | #Introduce weight onto the horse's back. Get an experienced rider to help you introduce the horse to the weight of a rider on its back. First, leg the rider up and get him to lie across the saddle. He needs to lower his weight on to the horse gently so you don't spook the horse.<ref | + | #Introduce weight onto the horse's back. Get an experienced rider to help you introduce the horse to the weight of a rider on its back. First, leg the rider up and get him to lie across the saddle. He needs to lower his weight on to the horse gently so you don't spook the horse.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*When the horse accepts this, stroke him and reward him. | #*When the horse accepts this, stroke him and reward him. | ||
| − | #Get on the horse's back. The rider should slowly and gently place his left foot in the stirrup. Keeping the weight on the horse's back, ask the rider to swing the right leg over the horse's back, making sure the rider doesn't kick the horse. Then the rider should place his foot in the right stirrup.<ref | + | #Get on the horse's back. The rider should slowly and gently place his left foot in the stirrup. Keeping the weight on the horse's back, ask the rider to swing the right leg over the horse's back, making sure the rider doesn't kick the horse. Then the rider should place his foot in the right stirrup.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Remind the rider to stay low as the sight of the rider on the horse's back will spook him. Get the rider to hold on tight to the saddle, but not to grip the reins tightly because if the rider is bucked off this will spook the horse even more. | #*Remind the rider to stay low as the sight of the rider on the horse's back will spook him. Get the rider to hold on tight to the saddle, but not to grip the reins tightly because if the rider is bucked off this will spook the horse even more. | ||
#Walk the horse slowly. With the rider on his back, walk the horse around slowly, gradually moving further away from the animal. | #Walk the horse slowly. With the rider on his back, walk the horse around slowly, gradually moving further away from the animal. | ||
| − | #*Ask the rider to collect the reins and start making contact with the horse's mouth, gently as not to spook the horse. Get the rider to slowly ask the horse to walk on using the verbal command and a gentle squeeze.<ref | + | #*Ask the rider to collect the reins and start making contact with the horse's mouth, gently as not to spook the horse. Get the rider to slowly ask the horse to walk on using the verbal command and a gentle squeeze.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#Try mounting. After having an experienced rider mount the horse, you need to mount the horse. Mounting your horse for the first time can be very dangerous, and should not be done without the supervision of a skilled horse-person or trainer. Carefully get on your horse, being sure not to kick or pinch him in the tack. Have the horse walk out for a few strides, stop, and dismount. | #Try mounting. After having an experienced rider mount the horse, you need to mount the horse. Mounting your horse for the first time can be very dangerous, and should not be done without the supervision of a skilled horse-person or trainer. Carefully get on your horse, being sure not to kick or pinch him in the tack. Have the horse walk out for a few strides, stop, and dismount. | ||
#*Slowly build up the time you are in the saddle over a period of several weeks or months. Do not attempt to increase the speed until your horse is 100% comfortable with you while walking. | #*Slowly build up the time you are in the saddle over a period of several weeks or months. Do not attempt to increase the speed until your horse is 100% comfortable with you while walking. | ||
#*It may take a full year or longer before you can trot and canter on your horse. Don't rush the process, as it could train your horse to be fearful or to have bad habits. | #*It may take a full year or longer before you can trot and canter on your horse. Don't rush the process, as it could train your horse to be fearful or to have bad habits. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
