How to break in my pony...?

Question

I have a pony at home (he is mixed breed) who is unbroken. I have alot of experience working with horses, and have decided to proceed to breaking.

He trusts me quite alot (will let me walk up to him when he is lying down etc), so I dont want to cause him any distress or pain - i want to keep this trust.

I was planning on breaking him to bareback only, so he doesnt have to worry about a bit or saddle etc. I wont be using him for anything other than riding around our paddocks, or maybe down the road occasionally.

What is the best way I should go about breaking him in? Any tips, advice and methods are greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

Ok well I personally think you should break him in a certain discipline like western or english or jumpign or in your case trail maybe. Bareback is great dont get me wrong but you will bond more with a certain thing. He will learn tons more and will appreciate you. Everyday do a little lunging and take it slow! Maybe work with him every day for 15 minutes. DONT OVER DO IT. ALSO dont do an hour one day and 5 minutes the next.

Hope this helped!

:)

Answer 2

I would start with a saddle just so he knows it. It doesnt matter if you never use it again. The training is there. I would start slow. Like the previous post 15-20 minutes is enough at first. This video is really informative:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ2q84ldLu...

The way he begins with this colt is how you should probably go with yours but spread it out more (over days/weeks). If you get a freak out like his though, I wouldnt try the TAP thing. There is a part two out currently as well.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I have a new horse too.You should try to break him/her to trail riding because you like to do this.

Answer 4

start by just petting him by is flakes, belly, ect. then move to a bareback pad on his back, cinched lightly. after he throws a lttle fit pet him and over time tighten the cinch. teach him how to lunge and soon put the saddle on him.

but its alot to explain so i would research some trainers or buy a simple book for tips.

Answer 5

I did the same thing. I rode my first pony bareback that had not been broken.   I haven't tried the Clinton Anderson's method of laying on the back with your legs crossed and rubbing him all over then sliding off. It might not hurt doing that first. It gets colts used to weight on their backs before wrapping your legs around them.  I would try it if I had an unbroken horse again.  I really think we are really "in sinc" with our horses when we ride bareback. I also think it is easier to get off if  you need to. I don't ride bareback cause I don't like to get my seat and legs dirty like I used to. Sounds like you have an easy going pony if he lets you come up to him when he is lying down.  Again, you might like to look at Clinton Anderson's "Colt Starting" DVD.