[RC] Starting youngsters on the trail - Tx Trigger
Beth, I think you have a good plan in place for you
and your horse. I think much of how we start new or young horses, depends on the
horse, AND the riders ability and confidence. Remember, you have to be the
leader and confidence builder for your young horse, in what ever they may deal
with out on the trail. If you have apprehensions, your horse very well may pick
up on that, and in turn, be nervous, apprehensive etc. So having a good base
between you before you head out on to the trails is a good plan.
Now, I will add that I am totally different than
most when starting a youngster. I will pony on the trail some, to get the horse
used to the basics like crossing creeks, dealing with hills, footing etc. etc.,
but for that first ride, I usually haul the horse over all alone, and ride him
with OUT another horse along. Hanks for outing to the trails was about the 15th
time he had anyone on his back. I want a horse that does not depend on another
horse to guide them, and if they are in need of "guidance", that I am the one to
work them through it. This method does not work for everyone, but it does
for me. I ride 99% of the time alone, so the horse might as well get used to
that right off the bat. In turn, I have horses who rarely have buddy issue, are
bold, forward, and confident.
Again, do what works for you and your horse. Just
like the horses, the riders all have different comfort levels, and pushing both
the horses comfort level, and a riders comfort level at the same time, while the
horses is just learning, does not always work well
