Introducing a young horse to a rider, also known as backing, is a significant milestone in their training journey. At this stage, the horse should be proficient in lunging on both reins at different gaits, including the walk, trot, and canter. Once they’ve achieved this, they’re ready to take the next step – backing.
Backing a horse involves multiple techniques, each as effective as the other. The chosen method is typically a matter of personal preference, depending on what the trainer finds most suitable and comfortable for both themselves and the horse.
Backing a Horse in Various Locations
One of the key decisions during backing is selecting a location. Common choices include a spacious stable, an open field, or a covered riding school. Each location offers different advantages and challenges and allows for a range of adjustments to suit the horse’s comfort level.
Starting the Backing Process
The initiation into backing should be gradual and comforting. Start by gently hopping next to the horse, placing your hands on their withers – the ridge between their shoulder blades. This jumping motion familiarizes the horse with the sensations of weight and movement around its body, building trust and understanding.
In the next step, enlist the help of another person to hold onto the horse. Continue speaking to the horse in a soothing manner while they give you a ‘leg-up’, allowing you to lean on the horse’s shoulder. Repeat this motion several times to enable the horse to get used to your weight distribution on its body.
Introducing the Horse to Weight Distribution
Following this, start familiarizing the horse with the sensation of pressure on one side. Have someone lead the horse around while you lean to one side, hanging on loosely. This experience allows the horse to adapt to the weight shift associated with a rider’s presence.
Getting Over the Horse’s Back
Once your horse shows signs of comfort with these steps, it’s time to go over its back. Maintain constant contact, patting and talking to your horse to reassure them during this stage. Start with your body bent, leaning your head on the horse’s neck. Lift your body slowly, only as the horse appears calm and relaxed under you.
Addressing the ‘Height Issue’
The height of a rider could be potentially intimidating for a horse, much in the same way a tall person might scare a foal. This concern is amusingly explained by Robert Orssich’s remark that a horse shouldn’t be expected to carry an “Eiffel Tower” on its back. If your horse seems worried by your towering over them while riding, a good workaround
is to groom them while standing on a chair located within their stable. This technique helps the horse gradually acclimate to their rider’s height.
The Choice to Back Without a Saddle
While many equestrians use a saddle during the backing process, some like myself prefer to do without it. The rationale behind this choice stems from the belief that the horse may find the texture, temperature, and associated comfort of direct, human-to-horse contact more welcome than the unfamiliarity of a saddle.
Understanding the Impact of Saddles on Young Horses
The introduction of a saddle to a young horse can present multiple challenges. Saddles are naturally colder and harder than a human body. From the horse’s perspective, this sudden change of sensation on their back could potentially be unpleasant or even startling.
Another potential issue is the potential discomfort saddles may cause. There’s always a risk of the saddle pinching or pulling slightly when the girth is cinched, a sensation that could be initially uncomfortable for the horse.
Saddle Noise and Nervous Horses
Saddle flaps also create noise when a rider mounts, a sound which the horse may not anticipate or understand. This can be especially problematic for shy or skittish horses who are sensitive to abrupt noises and sudden movements.
Reducing Provocation for a Smooth Backing Process
Minimizing the chances of unforeseen aggravations is crucial when backing a horse. Anything that might unsettle the horse can potentially disrupt the process, thus it’s beneficial to keep the environment and procedure as calm and predictable as possible. Backing without a saddle is one way to reduce the number of unknown variables the horse has to deal with, making the overall experience more comfortable and less stressful for them.
Transitioning from Lunging to Riding Independently
Once a young horse becomes accustomed to lunging with a rider on their back and can patiently stand for mounting and dismounting, the next phase of their training begins. This stage focuses on the rider gradually taking control of the horse using their reins and legs, all while still on the lunge.
Progression from Lunging to Independent Riding
Initially, the rider serves as a passive weight on the horse’s back, as the horse learns to be guided by the trainer at the center of the circle. The rider then starts to actively use the reins and legs to gradually assume control from the trainer. Eventually, the horse can be ridden off the lunge in small circles around the trainer, increasing the circle’s size and changing the pace to eventually encompass the entire training area.
For horses familiar with long-reining, this transition is relatively easier. Their prior experience teaches them to respond to the reins and use their mouths effectively.
The Importance of a Calm and Confident Rider
A successful training experience relies on the rider’s ability to exude calmness and instill confidence in the horse. This positive energy transfer helps the young horse adapt to their new tasks quickly and with minimal anxiety.
Introducing a Complementary Companion Horse
Incorporating a well-behaved companion horse into the young horse’s training can foster positive learning and behavior. However, it’s critical to choose a companion horse that demonstrates good habits, as horses readily mimic undesirable behaviors as well.
Gaining Confidence Through Exposure
For trainers who have opted out of long-reining, it’s recommended to take the young horse for walks on the cavesson in the village or down lanes to gradually introduce them to different environments. After gaining some exposure, they can be taken on quiet rides alongside their seasoned companion.
Ideally, the experienced “schoolmaster” horse should be stabled next to the young horse, reinforcing confidence in their new companion’s abilities. This familiarity can help when a spooky situation arises during a ride – the young horse will observe their calm, experienced companion and be reassured that the situation is safe.
Overcoming Fears in Young Horses
Just as with humans, young horses can also develop fears, particularly when they encounter new objects or situations. A valuable part of their training involves familiarizing them with these triggers and helping them overcome their anxiety.
Guiding a Frightened Horse to Investigate Fear Triggers
If a young horse, referred to as a ‘green horse’, displays fear towards a particular thing, a proven technique involves getting off the horse and interacting with the object yourself. Continue to hold the reins and approach the object, even sitting on it if possible. Gently encourage the horse to come closer, inviting them to smell and touch the object themselves.
Repeated Exposure and Habituation
Upon first interaction, make an effort to encounter the object again at the earliest opportunity. Consistent exposure will eventually normalize the formerly feared object for the young horse. Repeat these encounters until your horse shows indifference to the object, signaling that they’ve overcome this particular fear.
Transitioning from Group to Solo Riding
At this juncture, the young horse should be ready to ride with others and gradually, on its own. Keep their training relaxed and steadily introduce other skills they’re expected to learn, always keeping an age-old French proverb in mind: “Calm, forward, and straight.” This expression succinctly captures the essence of successful horse training – keeping the horse calm, motivating them to move forward, and guiding them to move straight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Introducing a Young Horse to a Rider
Q: At what age should a horse start being ridden?
A: Horses typically start being ridden between the ages of 2 to 4. However, the exact age can vary depending on the horse breed and individual development. Young horses’ bones are still growing and hardening, so it’s crucial not to start rigorous riding training too early to prevent potential injuries.
Q: How many times a week should a young horse be ridden?
A: A young horse should initially be ridden 3-4 times a week. As with humans, rest days are essential for horses too. They allow the muscles to recover and grow. Over time, this can be slowly increased according to the horse’s fitness and tolerance.
Q: What signs should I look for to know if my horse is ready to be ridden?
A: Signs that a young horse is ready to be ridden include showing calmness and trust towards human handlers, comfortably carrying a saddle and a bridle, and responding well to basic commands such as ‘stop’ and ‘go.’ If a horse demonstrates these behaviors consistently, it may be ready for more advanced riding training.
Q: Do I need to use specific equipment when starting to ride a young horse?
A: When starting to ride a young horse, it’s crucial to use equipment suited to their level of training. This might include a well-fitting saddle and bridle, riding helmet for safety, a lunging line to guide the horse, and protective boots for the horse’s legs. Always prioritize your horse’s comfort when choosing equipment.
Q: Can I train a young horse myself or should I hire a professional?
A: This depends on your experience and confidence as a rider. Training a young horse can be a complex and sensitive process that requires good horsemanship skills. If you’re not sure or are still a beginner rider, consider hiring a professional trainer to prevent potential training issues and ensure the horse’s wellbeing.
Q: How can I build trust with my young horse during riding training?
A: To build trust with your young horse during riding training, it is essential to remain consistent, patient, and calm. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior and treat your horse with kindness and understanding. Additionally, spend quality time with your horse through grooming, leading, and hand feeding treats to strengthen the bond between you two.
Q: How long should a training session be for a young horse?
A: The training sessions for young horses should be kept relatively short, lasting approximately 20-30 minutes per session. This duration helps to maintain the horse’s attention and focus while ensuring they don’t become overwhelmed or fatigued. As the horse progresses in their training, the session length can be gradually increased based on the individual horse’s needs and stamina.
Q: What should I do if my young horse becomes anxious or resistant during a riding session?
A: If your young horse displays anxious or resistant behaviors during a riding session, it is important to remain calm, patient, and avoid pushing them too hard. Assess the situation to determine the cause of the apprehension, whether it be a new object, an unfamiliar setting, or physical discomfort. Once the cause has been identified, work on addressing the issue through a gentle and reassuring approach.
Q: How can I ensure a safe environment for riding training?
A: To create a safe environment for riding training, choose a well-maintained and enclosed area, free of potential hazards, distractions, and loud noises. The space should have appropriate footing to prevent slipping and provide adequate room for the horse to move in circles and change direction. Double-check that the horse’s equipment fits correctly, and never leave a horse unattended when tied or during training sessions.
