Learn Together

By Tammy Sronce, Western Shooting Horse Magazine, March 2, 2010

How an inexperienced horse and an inexperienced rider can avoid trouble.

HERE’S AN OLD SAYING that really applies to mounted shooting: “Green and green make black and blue.” For the rider, the horse and the instructor.

I have to admit, I cringe when a novice student comes to me and says they thought it would be fun if he or she and their horse learn together. Training a young, inexperienced horse can be very rewarding, but it can also be very frustrating for a novice rider.

There is no doubt about it, novice riders are better suited to more experienced horses who are approximately seven years of age and over. Older horses are much more forgiving to a rider’s mistakes and incorrect commands. They are less likely spooked, and they are generally more experienced on the trail. Usually, they’ve been hauled and seasoned a lot more than a younger horse.

With this said, a novice rider can successfully school their young horse through the training process—with assistance. Regardless of the equine discipline they want to venture into, some basic guidelines remain the same.

Getting Started: Learn All You Can

Knowledge is power. Learn all there is about whatever discipline you would like to get involved in with your horse; don’t rush into it unprepared. Go to all the equine events you can, watch other competitors, read whatever you can find online. Talk to as many people as you can, learn the mistakes they made and the things they do right. And remember: it’s all about horsemanship.

Having an educated, well-trained horse is what you need for every discipline.

Bottom line: before you decide to try an equine event with your young horse, be sure to finish all of the basics first!

Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling with your horse, seek help from a professional. Don’t wait until your sweet little colt has turned into a monster! You will be amazed how quickly you and your novice horse can progress with guidance from an experienced professional. Trying to figure things out by yourself at home can be frustrating for both you and your horse, and you may not fix the problem.

Be Assertive

Although you know you’re a novice rider, don’t let your horse know it. If you ride him like you’re unsure of what you are doing, it will come across in your riding style—and it will affect the horse’s behavior. Be assertive and self confident in your direction with your horse. If you don’t take control, he will!

Set Realistic Expectations

Children don’t learn algebra the same day they learn to count to ten. Be patient! If you set unrealistic expectations you will only be disappointed. Both you and your horse will become frustrated. The secret to successfully guiding your horse through the training process is looking for his try, and rewarding him for the little steps he makes towards a bigger goal. If your goal is to teach your young horse to side pass all the way across the arena, settle for a step at a time, and break the exercises up over time into workable drills. If you try for the whole pass on the first day on a horse that doesn’t know the basics of how to move away from leg pressure, you will certainly set yourself up for failure. Realistic expectations will keep you motivated and focused.

Understand that a young horse is a commitment; this is not a horse that will be an overnight success. Young horses take constant riding over many miles, and it takes a long-term dedication to develop a well handled horse. But your perseverance will be well rewarded.

Western Shooting Horse Magazine is THE premier magazine dedicated to Mounted Shooting. We encourage everyone to visit their website, subscribe to their magazine, and visit their sponsors and advertisers.