Step 1: Assessment

Goals:

• Does horse have a solid grasp of the base commands.
• Assess horse for health, fitness, and conformation limitations
• Assess horse’s responses to touch, external stimulation, etc

Acknowledge simple accomplishments as a job well done!
This will reinforce that the horse is doing exactly what is asked of him/her and boosts confidence.

This stage is about understanding the horse, his abilities, limitations, experience, and overall personality traits

Step 5: First Rides

Goals:

• Horse should have a solid grasp of the base commands.
• Horse should respond to weight weight in stirrups, mounting body movement, etc. prior to riding.
• Horse should be attentive and understand ground cues, prior to mounting.
• BASIC Movements: Walk, stop, back, turn right, turn left.

Though your horse may have these movements down while doing ground work, balancing a rider’s weight, hearing commands from a new/scary perspective, and performing these simple tasks is a whole new skill set and requires adjustment.

Acknowledge simple accomplishments as a job well done!
This will reinforce that the horse is doing exactly what is asked of him/her and boosts confidence.