KBR Horse Training Information Exercising Body AND Mind Filly's First Saddle Part Four   MORE SADDLE MANEUVERS Now that we had "four-leg steering" it was time to have some fun. We walked out and worked in some simple turns and bends. As soon as we accomplished that, we tried some trot work. The photo on the right was Marcy's first lap at trot. In a later session, she effortlessly cantered a dozen or so laps in the round corral. Due to her age, we kept the canter work to a minimum... just enough so she would be familiar with it and feel comfortable about it. Who says horses can't back? Here we are still with a halter and single leadrope. By drawing the leadrope back tight against her neck and staying balanced, I could back Marcy with a minimum of effort. The pull was nearly mid-center and the contact against her neck kept her from bending out toward the side of the pull. Having her learn to yield to pressure made this possible. She found the balancing point between the lead pulling her halter and the contact on her neck. This maneuver will help set up neck reining attempts some time in the future. (My right hand is holding the free end of the leadrope.)

This next maneuver is a little different. In this case I've run the halter lead from the right, over her nose to the left. I am "holding" her with contact from my left leg and asking her to bend her neck without shifting her weight. If you notice her feet, she is stepping out both in front and in behind, pivoting around me as the dead center of the pivot. This maneuver is good for balance and will help her learn to bend around my leg.

There are all sorts of variations to these maneuvers that you can try. We like to break up the walking and trotting with some leg work. This helps the horses learn balance and helps prevent them from becoming "forwardaholics." The idea is to be patient, suggest the movement through aids and supporting balance and leg contact, and let the horse find the right response. Keep it light and effortless. Once the horse is handy on "flat ground," introduce some poles and other obstacles, first on the line and then in the saddle. Make this learning experience varied and fun for both you and the horse. Not bad for an 18 month old's first day!

(Please remember that this feature involves an 1800 Lb. draft horse who was physically and emotionally up to the task and the work was light. We don't recommend starting light horses this young as their joints are too immature. Don't try riding your horse until he/she is sufficiently developed both physically and mentally!) Check out the companion feature, Moving "Stuck" Horses Important Note: If you take on the project of developing an untrained horse, everybody will want to give you advice. Don't act on any advice, including the ideas offered in this site, unless it makes sense to you and fits your individual situation. Your abilities and the sensitivities of your horse(s) may differ from the examples given. Be alert and rational with your actions so neither you nor your horse will get hurt. This information is offered as illustrations of what we do and the reader must apply common sense since he or she is solely responsible for his or her actions. Happy trails! Press "Back" to return to the page that brought you here Go to Case Study Section Return to Training Section Return to Wild Horse Mentors Return to KBR World of Wild Horses and Burros Go To KBR Horse Net KBR Horse Training Information, © 1997 Lamm's Kickin' Back Ranch and Willis & Sharon Lamm. All rights reserved. Duplication of any of this material for commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached. Email us to submit comments or request reproduction permission.