Round Pen

Initially we start the horses in the round pen without tack on. They will most likely have a halter on, but that would be it. The horses are worked until they show respect for the handler. When the horse is ready, it is introduced to the saddle. Most of our horses will accept a saddle the first day in the round pen, though horses which we take in for training often take a couple of days, or sometimes longer depending on their handling in the first few years of their lives.

We never saddle a horse until it is ready.

Buffy is pictured above showing defiance, which you can see by her high head, stiff dock and her body is turned away. She is paying attention to her handler though, by the ear cocked towards Susan. The saddle was just put on Buffy for the first time and it took her a few minutes to get used to the stirrups hitting her sides while she cantered around the round pen.

Kris is working with Peppy and although Peppy is 'parked' (front feet are square while stopped) and facing Kris, she is still showing defiance and looks like she is ready to take off. Peppy's attention is focused on Kris, and she is waiting for the next cue.

Once a horse has accepted the saddle, we work a bit more in the round pen. We do bending exercises, which help teach the horse to turn (they already know how to be flexible, I hope), and to be responsive to the handler. We also use ropes around the horses legs, and once they show no resistance, we continue to work the ropes over and around their heads and bodies.

Buffy is still a little confused with what is expected of her here, as shown in her tense body, but she is paying attention to her handler to the left of the picture. She eventually figured out what was expected and executed the required moves smoothly and relaxed.

When the horse has relaxed and is showing respect, we will call it a day. The horse has done good and he deserves a reward. Tomorrow is always another day.