Around The Traps

the horse has been taught previously to help move them forward. For example, when your assistant points and lifts the whip the horse knows this means to go forward, or they might have been taught to move forward when they hear a ‘cluck’ or ‘kiss’, or are given a light bump. “Once the horse becomes more comfortable and understands what’s required of them, you can start controlling things a bit more from on top,” Skye says.

And a final point: It’s always safety first, and being able to disengage your horse is really important for your safety. A horse who has been taught to disengage has been taught to relax and yield from nose to tail, which is a great tool to use when settling or controlling a frightened horse.

Skye recalls a situation that occurred early on in Josh’s experience of starting horses under saddle. “He had someone holding a lunge rope on a first ride. The horse spun and the person on the ground held and pulled. The horse panicked and Josh no longer had control.”

And that’s a good example of the reason why it’s worth taking all the preparation time necessary with each youngster so that they don’t need to be held while mounted, or led, or lunged during the all important first ride.

When training is over for the day: Josh, Skye and Korey relax (Image by Josie Perrett Photography).

For more information on Knight Equestrian’s services visit www. knightsequestrian.com.au, phone 0413 700 233, or email knightsequestrian.sj@gmail.com

The role of The Saddle Hub is to make the process of selling your saddle as effortless as possible. If you have a saddle that doesn't suit you or your horse, or is no longer needed, get in touch with us about how we can assist you in re-homing it. Find more info at: equestrianhub.com.au/sellers-information/